Dr. Ndugulile, known for his courageous stance during the Covid pandemic, was set to take office in February 2024 after being elected in August.
Tragic Loss: WHO Africa Director-Elect Dr. Faustine Ndugulile Passes Away at 55
Tragic Loss: WHO Africa Director-Elect Dr. Faustine Ndugulile Passes Away at 55
The incoming head of the World Health Organization's African region dies within months of his election.
Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the newly elected regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, has tragically passed away at the age of 55. His death, which occurred in India while he was undergoing treatment, comes just three months after his election to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who has held the position for two five-year terms. Tanzania's speaker of parliament confirmed the news of Ndugulile's passing.
A respected medical doctor and lawmaker, Ndugulile was notable for his forthrightness during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly when he served as Tanzania's deputy health minister. In a country where the president, John Magufuli, was skeptical of the virus's severity, Ndugulile openly advocated for mask-wearing and discouraged the use of traditional remedies for treating Covid-19. His position put him at odds with the government at a critical time for public health.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's director-general, expressed his shock and sadness at the news. President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania conveyed her condolences to Ndugulile's family, highlighting his significant contributions to the country and the continent's health landscape.
Before being elected as WHO's Africa director, Ndugulile had an extensive career within Tanzania's healthcare system and politics. He was the representative for the Kigamboni constituency in Dar es Salaam, previously serving in key roles in health and communications. His stint as deputy health minister ended with his dismissal in May 2020, reportedly due to his efforts to manage the pandemic, which contradicted President Magufuli's views.
A staunch advocate for evidence-based health policy, Ndugulile had also held positions within the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in South Africa and was instrumental in the establishment of the National Blood Transfusion Services in Tanzania.
Having pledged to advance health initiatives across Africa upon his election in August, the loss of Ndugulile is viewed as a substantial setback for the region. His unexpected death marks a first in WHO history where a regional director-elect has passed away before taking office, complicating the process of appointing a successor.
A respected medical doctor and lawmaker, Ndugulile was notable for his forthrightness during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly when he served as Tanzania's deputy health minister. In a country where the president, John Magufuli, was skeptical of the virus's severity, Ndugulile openly advocated for mask-wearing and discouraged the use of traditional remedies for treating Covid-19. His position put him at odds with the government at a critical time for public health.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's director-general, expressed his shock and sadness at the news. President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania conveyed her condolences to Ndugulile's family, highlighting his significant contributions to the country and the continent's health landscape.
Before being elected as WHO's Africa director, Ndugulile had an extensive career within Tanzania's healthcare system and politics. He was the representative for the Kigamboni constituency in Dar es Salaam, previously serving in key roles in health and communications. His stint as deputy health minister ended with his dismissal in May 2020, reportedly due to his efforts to manage the pandemic, which contradicted President Magufuli's views.
A staunch advocate for evidence-based health policy, Ndugulile had also held positions within the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in South Africa and was instrumental in the establishment of the National Blood Transfusion Services in Tanzania.
Having pledged to advance health initiatives across Africa upon his election in August, the loss of Ndugulile is viewed as a substantial setback for the region. His unexpected death marks a first in WHO history where a regional director-elect has passed away before taking office, complicating the process of appointing a successor.
