He was elected as the WHO's regional director for Africa in August and was scheduled to assume his new role in February 2025.

The World Health Organization's regional director-elect for Africa has passed away while undergoing medical treatment in India, according to Tanzania’s parliament speaker, Tulia Ackson, who announced the news on Wednesday.

Efforts are being made to repatriate the body of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, 55, to Tanzania, with funeral arrangements to be disclosed at a later date. However, Ackson did not reveal details regarding the illness that led to his passing.

Dr. Ndugulile had a distinguished career in public service, representing Kigamboni Constituency in Tanzania's commercial hub, Dar es Salaam, as a member of parliament. He also held various key government positions, including health assistant minister from 2017 to 2020 and minister of information and communication until 2021.

In August, he was elected as the WHO's regional director for Africa, a role he was scheduled to assume in February 2025, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who served two terms. During his acceptance speech, Ndugulile had expressed his dedication to improving health outcomes across the African continent.

Tributes and Condolences

The news of Dr. Ndugulile's death has elicited widespread condolences. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan described the loss as "devastating" in a message shared on social media platform X. Similarly, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus conveyed his shock and deep sorrow over the tragedy.

Many Tanzanian legislators also paid tribute to Ndugulile, praising him for his humility. Former opposition lawmaker Godbless Lema remarked that, despite being part of the ruling party, Ndugulile maintained a gentler approach compared to some of his peers in parliament.

Dr. Ndugulile’s untimely death marks the loss of a visionary leader who had pledged to advance health and well-being across Africa. WHO regional directors serve a five-year term, renewable once, and his tenure was expected to bring impactful changes to the region.