Incoming WHO Africa Director-Elect, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, Dies at 55

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile of Tanzania, who was set to become the director of the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa, has passed away, only three months after his election to the role. The 55-year-old lawmaker and medical doctor, Dr. Ndugulile, died on Wednesday morning in India, where he was receiving medical treatment, according to an announcement by Tanzania’s speaker of parliament. He gained recognition for his opposition to President John Magufuli during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, while holding the position of deputy health minister. In August of this year, he was chosen as the WHO regional leader, slated to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti of Botswana, who had completed two five-year terms. His tenure in the position was scheduled to begin in February next year. On Thursday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the WHO, conveyed that he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the passing of Dr. Ndugulile. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu also extended her sympathies to the family of the late lawmaker. The specific reasons for his medical treatment have not been publicly revealed. Prior to his selection for the WHO role, Dr. Ndugulile had a notable career spanning both political and public health sectors. He served as a legislator representing the Kigamboni constituency in Dar es Salaam and occupied several significant governmental roles, such as deputy minister for health and communications minister. His appointment to the health ministry occurred in 2017, a role he maintained until President Magufuli dismissed him in May 2020, during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. While no official reason was provided for his dismissal, media outlets indicated that it was potentially linked to his approach to combating the coronavirus in Tanzania, which diverged from the president’s perspective. President Magufuli was a strong skeptic of Covid-19 and declined to adopt measures widely implemented globally to curb the virus’s spread, including the use of face masks. Dr. Ndugulile was frequently pictured wearing a mask in parliament and other settings, at a time when very few Tanzanians were doing so. One month prior to his termination, he had cautioned against employing traditional methods for treating Covid patients, such as inhaling boiled herbs, stating that such practices could obstruct the respiratory system. President Magufuli had openly endorsed traditional remedies as a method for addressing Covid-19. He advised Tanzanians to exercise caution to avoid being “used for trials of some doubtful vaccinations” and promoted steam inhalation, asserting that “because the coronavirus is made up of fats, when exposed to such high temperatures above 100°C, it will just disintegrate”. Furthermore, he encouraged Tanzanians to pray, stating, “I don’t expect to announce any lockdown because our God is living and he will continue to protect Tanzanians.” Nevertheless, at the commencement of his second presidential term in December of that same year, President Magufuli appointed Dr. Ndugulile to the position of minister of communication and information communication technology. Dr. Ndugulile retained this role until President Magufuli’s death in 2021. Prior to entering politics in 2010, Dr. Ndugulile had served as a director within the health ministry, where he was responsible for overseeing diagnostic services. In 2006, he was instrumental in the establishment of the National Blood Transfusion Services, serving as its founding program manager. His professional experience also included working at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in South Africa. Tanzania put forward his name for the WHO position earlier this year, highlighting his extensive experience and dedication to global health. Following his election in August, he had voiced his dedication to improving health across the continent. At that time, he stated, “I promise to work with you and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa.” Dr. Moeti, the outgoing Africa director, characterized his death as an “immense loss.” This marks the first instance of a WHO regional director-elect dying before taking up their official duties. The political procedure for selecting a new director is known to be lengthy and intricate.