Former President Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete led one of the key sessions of the task force that ultimately achieved its goal on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with a landslide victory for Tanzania’s candidate, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi.
He secured 32 out of 47 votes cast in a secret ballot by representatives of WHO Africa member states, ahead of the WHO General Assembly.
Dr. Kikwete has been praised for leveraging his diplomatic expertise and connections to ensure the success of the campaign a contribution described as a critical factor that enabled Tanzania to triumph over candidates from Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo.
The election followed the sudden passing of the previously elected Director, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, in November 2024.
The vacancy attracted highly qualified candidates from several countries, but Professor Janabi garnered overwhelming support, demonstrating that Tanzania continues to hold significant influence in Africa’s health diplomacy.
According to the procedures of the World Health Organization, Professor Janabi’s name will now be forwarded for official confirmation by the WHO Executive Board during its 157th session, scheduled for May 28–29, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.