KIGAMBONI legislator Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the newly appointed Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the African region is officially set to begin his tenure in March 2025.

This comes after he was given a six-month preparatory period to strategise and set his vision for the role which will focus on several key areas critical to Africa’s health sector.

Speaking in the National Assembly yesterday, Dr Ndugulile expressed his gratitude for the support he received from parliament.

Ndugulile emphasized that despite his new role; he remains the MP for Kigamboni and will continue to serve his constituency.

“Africa has made notable progress in health but challenges persist. With six years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), visionary leadership is crucial for Africa’s success,” he said.

During his campaign, he stressed the need for a leader with a combination of academic, leadership and political skills to place the ordinary African citizen at the heart of healthcare delivery.

Dr Ndugulile outlined four main areas of focus: ensuring accessible healthcare services across Africa, enhancing preparedness for major emerging crises like COVID-19, strengthening collaborations between institutions across the continent and integrating African parliaments into the WHO’s work.

He plans to use the six-month preparation period to familiarise himself with the organization’s operations, refine his vision and ensure readiness for his official start in March 2025.

“I am fully committed to this role and ask for the support of MPs. This responsibility carries significant weight and the hopes of our continent. Africans have high expectations,” he said.

He expressed his appreciation to the Tanzanian government, MPs, and everyone who supported his candidacy, vowing to remain available for feedback and advice during the transition period.

“This position is a collective achievement for all Tanzanians and the entire African continent. As the first Tanzanian and East African to hold this role, I will serve as the leading health official for African countries,” he said.

He will be serving a term of five years, with the possibility of re-election for another five years, impacting the health of 1.5 billion Africans.

The Parliament extended its congratulations to the lawmaker, acknowledging that his appointment not only honours him but also brings further recognition to both the parliament and the country.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Mussa Zungu said: “This victory enhances our country’s political, regional and international standing.”

He however said that such achievements are made possible by the support of the government.