Dr. Ihekweazu, before joining WHO, served as the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). In this role, he was instrumental in strengthening Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, leading the country’s response to infectious disease outbreaks, and enhancing disease surveillance and preparedness systems. His leadership at NCDC positioned him as a key figure in global health, contributing to his appointment at WHO.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu as the Acting Regional Director of the African Regional Office following the conclusion of Dr. Matshidiso Moeti's term on Tuesday.

"I am confident that the Region is in very capable hands," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in a statement announcing the appointment.

Dr. Ihekweazu, a Nigerian infectious disease epidemiologist, joined WHO in 2021 as an Assistant Director-General and Deputy Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme. Prior to his role at WHO, he served as the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), where he played a key role in strengthening Nigeria's disease surveillance and response systems. His extensive experience in public health and infectious disease control makes him well-equipped to oversee the African Regional Office during this transitional period.

Dr. Ihekweazu will serve as Acting Regional Director until a new permanent director is nominated and confirmed by the WHO Executive Board. His appointment comes at a crucial time as WHO continues to support African nations in addressing various public health challenges, including emerging infectious diseases and ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems across the continent.

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the Tanzanian physician who was elected as WHO’s next African Regional Director in August 2024, was originally set to assume the role this month. However, Dr. Ndugulile tragically passed away while receiving medical treatment in India last November, leaving the position vacant. His untimely passing was a significant loss to the global health community, as he was widely recognized for his dedication to improving healthcare systems and advocating for public health reforms in Africa.

Dr. Moeti, who was the first woman to lead the WHO Africa Regional Office, was appointed to the position in 2015. During her tenure, she oversaw the region’s response to numerous public health crises, including the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening Africa’s health security and response mechanisms, earning her recognition as a transformative figure in global health.

In a message honoring her contributions, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his gratitude for Dr. Moeti’s dedication to public health in Africa. "My sister @MoetiTshidi, thank you for your exceptional contributions to Africa's health and for your unwavering leadership in the @WHOAFRO Region. We owe you immense gratitude for all you've done," he said in a post on X.

As WHO transitions leadership in its African Regional Office, Dr. Ihekweazu's appointment is expected to ensure continuity in the organization's mission to improve health outcomes across the continent while preparing for the selection of a new permanent regional director.