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Dar es Salaam, 19 May 2025 – The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) congratulates Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi on his nomination as the next Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO). We wish him every success as he prepares to take on this critical leadership role at a time of great opportunity, and responsibility, for the continent’s health agenda.

We are pleased to see Professor Janabi stepping into the role, having set out priorities that speak directly to the health needs of Africa: advancing universal health coverage, strengthening primary health care, tackling maternal and child mortality, and addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases. His focus on climate-resilient health systems, innovation, local research, and domestic resource mobilisation reflects the bold, practical approach needed to drive progress across the continent.

Professor Janabi takes up this role at a time when strong regional leadership is essential. While Africa has made significant gains, countries continue to grapple with a complex and evolving health landscape. Longstanding diseases such as malaria, Neglected Tropical diseases, TB, and HIV persist, while non-communicable diseases are on the rise. Maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health outcomes remain fragile in many settings, and the health impacts of climate change are becoming more visible.

ALMA looks forward to working closely with Professor Janabi and his team, particularly on areas where progress is urgently needed. Malaria remains one of the continent’s leading causes of death, and we are in the midst of a perfect storm that threatens the delivery of life-saving services. We need a ‘big push’ to address these threats including strengthened political will, multi-sectoral partnerships, and innovative financing. ALMA stands ready to support the new Regional Director for WHO AFRO in advancing this effort, including through our work with Heads of State and Government, national End Malaria Councils and Funds, and Scorecard Tools for Accountability and Action. 

Reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health continue to demand sustained focus, while neglected tropical diseases still affect millions across the region. These priorities, alongside financing, innovation, and health systems resilience, require concerted, coordinated action.

Professor Janabi brings a wealth of experience from both clinical care and public health leadership, a clear understanding of the day-to-day realities of Africa’s health systems, and a practical, results-focused approach. At Muhimbili National Hospital and the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, he helped shape and implement reforms that improved access to specialised care and built local capacity. He is known for linking strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and for working across institutions to get things done.

Africa has gained a leader with deep expertise, credibility, and commitment. We welcome his nomination and are confident that, under his leadership, WHO AFRO will continue to be a vital partner to countries and institutions working to improve health outcomes across the continent. Once again, we congratulate Professor Janabi and look forward to continued collaboration in driving Africa’s health agenda forward.