Dr. Richard Mihigo, Rwanda's candidate for the position of Regional Director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa, has described his bid for the office as a “lifetime experience” despite losing to Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, Tanzania's former Deputy Minister of Health. The election took place on August 27 during the 74th session of WHO Africa's Regional Committee in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, nominating Ndugulile for the job. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s Dr. Mihigo launches campaign for WHO Africa post Dr. Mihigo was one of four candidates vying for the role, including Senegal’s Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, WHO Global Director for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), Niger’s Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO’s Representative to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania’s Dr. Faustine Ndugulile. After the nomination of Ndugulile, Dr Mihigo took to his X account to congratulate him. “Warm congratulations to Dr Faustine on being elected as the new WHO Africa Regional Director. Wishing you great success in your new role,” he wrote. In another X post, Mihigo said “it was a lifetime experience” to run for the election of WHO Africa Regional Director position. ALSO READ: Kagame meets Richard Mihigo, Rwanda’s candidate for key WHO post “The outcome is not what was expected, however I would like to sincerely thank HE Paul Kagame for his full support throughout this process,” he wrote. Dr. Ndugulile, who secured 25 votes, will assume the role of Regional Director in February 2025 for a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. In his new position, Ndugulile has pledged to prioritise access to quality healthcare services across the continent, ensuring that no one is left behind. He has also emphasised the importance of enhancing the readiness of African countries to respond to epidemic outbreaks. Ndugulile brings experience to the role, having previously served as Tanzania’s Minister for Communication and Information Technology between December 2020 and September 2021, and as Deputy Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children. A medical doctor by training, he holds a Master's of Medicine as well as a Master's in Public Health. He was also a Member of Parliament in Tanzania.
