Tanzanian WHO Africa Director-elect Ndugulile Dies in India

 

Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director-elect for Africa and former Member of Parliament for Kigamboni in Tanzania, has passed away.

Dr Ndugulile died Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in India.

The Speaker of Tanzania's National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, confirmed the news in a statement shared on Parliament’s official social media platforms.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the MP for Kigamboni and WHO Regional Director-elect for Africa. On behalf of all Members of Parliament, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, residents of Kigamboni, and all Tanzanians,” the statement read.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan also expressed her condolences via her official X account. Writing in Kiswahili, she said: "I have received with regret the news of the death of the Honorable Dr Faustine Ndugulile, Kigamboni Member of Parliament and Director-elect of the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Region, which happened tonight, November 27, 2024."

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus joined global mourners in honoring Dr Ndugulile.

In a message shared on his X account, he said: "Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, WHO-Africa Regional Director-elect. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and the parliament and people of #Tanzania."

Dr Ndugulile was elected as the successor to WHO Africa Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. His tenure was set to begin in February 2025, following Dr. Moeti’s decade-long leadership.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr Ndugulile served as Tanzania's Health Minister, advocating for transformative healthcare reforms.

He was a staunch proponent of addressing critical health challenges across Africa, including combating the spread of infectious diseases such as measles.

The untimely death of Dr Ndugulile is a profound loss to Tanzania and the global health community, leaving a legacy of dedication to improving healthcare systems and uplifting lives across the continent.