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During a press briefing on May 8, 2024, January Makamba, Tanzania's Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, stated, "We have received a letter from SADC confirming that all sixteen countries from the region will endorse us. We are starting our campaign with strong support."
Dr. Ndugulile is an experienced health professional who currently serves as a Member of Parliament for the Kigamboni constituency, representing over 317,000 people. He is also the Vice-chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS.
Known for his forward-thinking approach and commitment to medical ethics, Ndugulile was one of the health professionals who advised against COVID-19 denial during the pandemic. He will compete with candidates from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, and Niger for the position.
Ndugulile has outlined eight strategic priorities for his candidacy, including universal health coverage, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, primary healthcare, climate resilient and sustainable health systems, health security, innovation and research, and partnership and collaboration.
If successful, Ndugulile will succeed Dr. Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, a Botswana national, who will complete her second term as WHO Regional Director at the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, scheduled to take place in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from August 26 to August 30, 2024.
The next step in Ndugulile's candidacy will be an interview with the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, along with the other candidates. Following this, representatives from the 47 member states of the Africa Committee will participate in a secret ballot.
Candidates who secure a majority of votes will be nominated for the position, and their names will be forwarded to the WHO Executive Board for appointment.
Tanzania is hopeful about its strong candidacy, considering that West Africa and South Africa have already put forward directors in the past. Tanzania believes it is East Africa's turn this time.
