Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, 55, recently elected as the World Health Organization’s regional director for Africa, has passed away while undergoing medical treatment in India.
The news was announced by Tanzania’s Speaker of Parliament, Tulia Ackson, who confirmed that arrangements for repatriating his remains were underway. Details of his illness were not disclosed. Funeral arrangements will be communicated later, according to reports by the Associated Press.
Ndugulile, a former member of parliament for Kigamboni Constituency in Dar es Salaam, held several key positions in Tanzania’s government. He served as the health assistant minister from 2017 to 2020 and later as the minister for information and communication until 2021.
He was set to begin his tenure as WHO’s regional director for Africa in February 2025, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti. In his acceptance speech, Ndugulile had pledged to prioritize improving health and well-being across the continent.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan described his death as “devastating,” highlighting his contributions to public health and governance. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed his condolences, stating he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the loss.
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