Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director-elect for Africa, has passed away while receiving medical treatment in India. The 55-year-old Tanzanian was set to assume the position in February 2025.
Tanzania’s Parliament Speaker, Tulia Ackson, confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that efforts are underway to repatriate Ndugulile’s body. Details surrounding the illness that led to his death have not been disclosed.
Ndugulile, a member of Tanzania’s parliament for the Kigamboni Constituency, served as the country’s health assistant minister between 2017 and 2020. He was also the Minister for Information and Communication until 2021.
Elected as the WHO’s regional director for Africa in August, Ndugulile had expressed his commitment to improving health across the continent.
Tributes
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her sorrow over the loss, calling it “devastating,” while WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus conveyed his shock and sadness.
Several Tanzanian lawmakers also shared their tributes, with former opposition legislator Godbless Lema recalling Ndugulile’s gentleness in parliament, describing him as “a humble man.”
