WHO Africa Regional Director-elect, Faustine Ndugulile Is Dead

The newly elected Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, has reportedly died.

Reports obtained by Naija News revealed that Ndugulile died on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at age 55.

Ndugulile, born in 1969, was a prominent Tanzanian politician and a distinguished expert in public health.

In August 2024, he was nominated to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti as the Regional Director for the WHO African Region, following her two five-year terms in leadership.

African member states endorsed his nomination during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, which took place in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

The appointment was set to be presented at the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, scheduled for February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, confirmed the sad development via his X account on Wednesday morning.

Ghebreyesus wrote: “Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and the parliament and people of #Tanzania.”

“I’m deeply saddened and shocked about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect.

“It’s an immense loss.

“My entire team @WHOAFRO and I send our sincere & heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the government and the people of Tanzania,” another top official, Moeti wrote.

Also, the WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Mulombo Kazadi on his X, posted, “We didn’t need this now. We are devastated. Sad news for Africa and the world. We give glory to Almighty God because only Him knows why. We thank God for his life and the inspiration he brought, albeit for a very short time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Naija News reports that the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Hassan, also mourned the passing of Ndugulile, on her X handle.