Pictured L-R: Dr Matshidiso Moeti, present Regional Director of WHO AFRO, Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
It is with profound sadness that we learnt of the sudden passing of Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Director-elect for Africa and a Member of Parliament in Tanzania.
Uniting to Combat NTDs would like to send our deepest condolences to Dr. Ndugulile’s family and friends, as well as the people of Tanzania at this time.
Dr. Ndugulile was nominated as the incoming Regional Director for Africa in August and was due to assume the position in February 2025. Although he had not yet formally assumed his role at the WHO, Dr. Ndugulile had already deeply engaged in efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), demonstrating his dedication to improving the health and quality of life of millions of people across the African continent.
Speaking on his passing, Dr. Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho, Chair of the Uniting to Combat NTDs Board said:
“Dr. Ndugulile was an outstanding champion for health, committed to improving health outcomes across the African continent. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and all fellow Tanzanians. His loss will be greatly felt across the global health community. May his vision continue to push us towards achieving our shared mission of better health for all.”
Dr. Ndugulile's dedication to improving health and his visionary leadership will be deeply missed; his legacy will continue to inspire us as we work towards better health outcomes for all.