Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, Tanzania’s incoming regional director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa, has died at the age of 55, just three months after his election to the prestigious position.
Ndugulile passed away on Wednesday morning in India, where he was receiving medical treatment, as confirmed by Tanzania’s speaker of parliament.
The specific reasons for his treatment have not been disclosed.
A distinguished medical doctor and lawmaker, Ndugulile was set to assume his role at the WHO in February 2024, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti of Botswana.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his “shock and deep sadness” over Ndugulile’s sudden passing, while Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu offered her condolences to his family.
Before his WHO election, Ndugulile had a notable career in both politics and public health. He represented the Kigamboni constituency in Dar es Salaam and held various governmental roles, including deputy minister of health and communications minister.
His tenure as deputy health minister was marked by his outspoken stance on the Covid-19 pandemic, where he openly opposed President John Magufuli’s approach.
Magufuli, a vocal coronavirus skeptic, rejected global Covid-19 control measures, including face masks and lockdowns.
Ndugulile, in contrast, supported mask-wearing and warned against unproven traditional treatments for Covid, leading to his dismissal from the health ministry in May 2020, shortly after voicing these concerns.
Despite his ousting, Ndugulile was later appointed communications minister in December 2020 and served until Magufuli’s death in 2021.
Before entering politics in 2010, he worked in Tanzania’s health ministry, including overseeing diagnostic services and founding the National Blood Transfusion Services.
Ndugulile also had experience working with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in South Africa.
Following his election to the WHO post, Ndugulile had expressed a strong commitment to advancing health on the African continent.
“I promise to work with you, and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa,” he had said.
His unexpected death marks a rare instance in which a WHO regional director-elect has passed before taking office, with Dr. Moeti describing it as an “immense loss” for both Tanzania and the global health community.
The process of electing a new director for the position will be a lengthy and complex one, further complicating leadership in a crucial role for the continent’s health future.
Source-BBC
