By Alfred Zacharia
Dr. Delilah Kimambo was on Monday officially handed the reins of leadership at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), taking over from Prof Mohamed Janabi, who has been appointed Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Office.
The handover ceremony, held at the MNH premises in the presence of the hospital’s senior management, marked a significant transition at the country’s largest referral and teaching hospital.
Dr Kimambo, who previously served as Director of Integrative Medicine at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), becomes the new Executive Director of MNH, bringing with her a wealth of experience in specialised medical care and institutional management.
Speaking shortly after assuming her new role, Dr Kimambo pledged to uphold the hospital’s legacy of excellence while working closely with all stakeholders to further strengthen service delivery.
"I am ready to work collaboratively with every staff member to ensure we continue offering top-quality healthcare services to all Tanzanians,” she said. “We will build on the strong foundations that have already been laid.”
Dr Kimambo takes office at a time when the hospital is undergoing transformation aimed at improving clinical outcomes, enhancing research, and expanding specialised care services.
In his farewell address, Prof Janabi thanked the MNH team for their dedication and support throughout his tenure, noting that the hospital’s achievements have been the result of collective effort.
“No single individual delivers results alone,” Prof Janabi said. “It is your unwavering support that helped us reach new milestones. I urge you to extend the same support to Dr Kimambo so that the hospital continues to thrive.”
Appointed to head MNH in 2022, Prof Janabi is expected to officially assume his new WHO role on July 1, 2025, at the organisation’s regional headquarters in Brazzaville, Congo.
His elevation to one of the most senior public health positions on the continent has been widely applauded as a win for Tanzania’s growing influence in the global health arena.
During his leadership at MNH, Prof Janabi championed a range of reforms and oversaw the expansion of critical care services, research collaborations, and infrastructural improvements.
As Dr Kimambo begins her tenure, the focus will now shift to consolidating gains and accelerating progress in areas such as patient care, digital health, and institutional partnerships.
Muhimbili remains a critical pillar in Tanzania’s healthcare system, with its performance closely watched as a barometer for national health standards and innovation.
