Tanzania’s Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, recently elected as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, has passed away at the age of 55. The lawmaker and medical doctor died on Wednesday morning in India while receiving treatment, as confirmed by Tanzania's Speaker of Parliament.
Dr. Ndugulile gained recognition for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when he served as Deputy Minister of Health and courageously challenged the stance of then-President John Magufuli. Elected to the WHO position in August, he was set to succeed Botswana’s Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms, with his tenure scheduled to begin in February next year.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed being "shocked and deeply saddened" by the news of his passing, while Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu conveyed her condolences to Dr. Ndugulile's family.Details about the illness for which he was being treated remain undisclosed.
Before his election to the WHO role, Dr. Ndugulile enjoyed a distinguished career in public health and politics. He represented Kigamboni constituency in Dar es Salaam as a member of parliament and held several prominent government roles, including Deputy Minister for Health and Communications Minister.
Source : BBC News
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