Career : Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, the New Face of WHO in Africa
Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi has been officially appointed Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa. A renowned cardiologist and global health diplomat, this Tanzanian succeeds Dr. Matshidiso Moeti and is set to bring new momentum to WHO’s health efforts on the continent.
June 30, 2025, will mark a turning point in health governance in Africa as Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi takes the helm of the WHO Regional Office for Africa. A cardiologist, expert in public health policy, and recognized figure in health diplomacy, he was unanimously appointed by the WHO Executive Board following his nomination at a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva on May 18, 2025.
What we do today will shape the health of tomorrow
Professor Janabi’s appointment comes amid ongoing health challenges across the continent, including emerging infectious diseases, humanitarian crises, climate pressures, and often fragile health systems. His career, rooted in clinical practice, institutional reform, and international advocacy, makes him a widely praised profile.
“I warmly congratulate Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and the government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, on this important appointment,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We count on your leadership and experience to strengthen our action and build an organization that is more sustainable, effective, and better equipped for current crises.”
Professor Janabi expressed his gratitude with humility: “It is with a profound sense of responsibility that I accept this honor. I am grateful for the trust placed in me. My commitment is clear: to align our actions with the priorities of member states to deliver tangible and lasting impact.”
Born in Tanzania, Mohamed Yakub Janabi built his career at the intersection of cutting-edge medicine and public health policy management. A recognized cardiology specialist, he has led several major health institutions in Tanzania, while actively engaging in regional and international programs aimed at improving healthcare access.
His approach is distinguished by a vision centered on equity, innovation, and intergovernmental cooperation. He has advocated for integrating digital technologies into primary care, continuous training for healthcare workers, and strengthening epidemiological surveillance systems.
As head of the Regional Office, Professor Janabi will oversee WHO’s work in partnership with the 47 African member states. His mandate extends over five years, with eligibility for renewal. He succeeds Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the first woman to hold this post, who profoundly marked the decade with her commitment during Ebola, COVID-19, and polio outbreaks.
The new Regional Director places reform and adaptation to local realities at the core of his agenda. Among his priorities: strengthening community health systems, supporting local vaccine and medicine production, anticipating health crises, and promoting universal health coverage tailored to African contexts.
Under Professor Janabi’s leadership, WHO intends to further assert its role as a strategic partner for African countries. The goal is to support governments in implementing resilient and sustainable public health policies, emphasizing resource efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Together, we have the opportunity to transform health for millions of Africans
Building on the reforms initiated by his predecessor but with renewed energy, Professor Janabi aims to build a more autonomous, agile, and inclusive African health ecosystem. “What we do today will shape the health of tomorrow,” he reiterated in his first official message. “Together, we have the opportunity to transform health for millions of Africans.”
