2 September, 2024 - The RBM Partnership to End Malaria welcomed the nomination of Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile as the next Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region and congratulated him upon being the next to take on this important mantle. This nomination follows a decisive vote by African Member States announced during the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
Pending approval by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board in February 2025, Dr Ndugulile will take the helm from previous director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who served for two five-year terms.
In this influential role, Dr Ndugulile will spearhead and oversee efforts to strengthen health systems, address health inequalities, and drive initiatives aimed at eliminating diseases like malaria. The nomination comes at a time when 95% of cases and 96% of deaths from malaria are on the African continent, according to WHO’s most recent World Malaria Report, and country health systems are strained. Furthermore, resistance to insecticide and treatment is making it harder to manage the disease and putting more lives at risk.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr Ndugulile emphasized his dedication to advancing the health of the African people: “I’m truly honoured and humbled to be elected to the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa. I thank Member States for the trust shown in me. I promise to work with you and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa.”
Dr Michael Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, said:
“We congratulate Dr Ndugulile on his nomination. We are confident that, under his leadership, the region will see accelerated progress in the fight against malaria, which is one of the continent’s most pressing health challenges. His dedication to improving the lives of millions across Africa strongly aligns with our goals, and we look forward to working closely with him to make progress on our common interests.
“The RBM Partnership to End Malaria would also like to extend its gratitude and thanks to Dr Matshidiso Moeti for her commendable efforts and commitment to strengthening Africa’s public health response for the last decade.”
