Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the World Health Organisation’s regional director-elect for Africa, has passed away while receiving medical treatment in India, Tanzania’s parliament confirmed on Wednesday.
Speaker Tulia Ackson announced that preparations are underway to repatriate Ndugulile’s body, but the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Ndugulile, who was appointed as the incoming WHO Regional Director for Africa in August 2024, was set to take office in February 2025, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who completed two terms in the role.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed his shock and sadness over Ndugulile’s death on social media, writing, “Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and the parliament and people of #Tanzania.”