Honoring the Legacy of Faustine Ndugulile

Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, the Regional Director (RD)-elect for the WHO African Region, has passed away at the age of 55.

Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile served as a Member of Parliament for the Kigamboni Constituency in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. In addition to his parliamentary role, he held significant government positions, including serving as the country’s Assistant Minister of Health from 2017 to 2020 and as the Minister for Information and Communication until 2021.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ndugulile made invaluable contributions to Tanzania’s health and communication sectors, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to improving public welfare both locally and regionally.

In August of this year, Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile was elected as the Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, set to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti of Botswana, who had completed two five-year terms in the position. Dr. Ndugulile was scheduled to officially assume the role in February of next year.

“I’m deeply saddened and shocked about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, WHO African Regional Director-elect. It’s an immense loss. My entire team and I send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the government and the people of Tanzania.” – Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile’s Educational Journey

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile’s academic journey began in 1997 when he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He then went on to obtain a Master of Medicine (MMED) degree in 2001, also from the University of Dar es Salaam.

In 2010, Dr. Ndugulile furthered his education by earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Western Cape in South Africa. Most recently, in 2022, he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the Open University of Tanzania.

A Visionary Leader in Global Health

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile was a distinguished medical professional, public health expert, and politician whose career spanned over two decades. His extensive experience in technical, policy, and political fields showcased his exceptional expertise.

Dr. Ndugulile held several key positions throughout his career, including serving as a technocrat in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, an expatriate, Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister of Health, and Minister for Communication and Information Technology.

Political Achievements of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile made significant contributions to Tanzanian politics, holding various high-ranking positions in government. His leadership and dedication to public service had a profound impact on the country’s health and communication sectors.

He served as Minister for Communication and Information Technology from December 2020 to September 2021, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s digital infrastructure and communication policies.

From October 2017 to May 2020, he held the position of Deputy Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, where he was instrumental in improving public health and welfare for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Ndugulile was elected as the Member of Parliament for Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, in October 2010, a role he continues to hold, representing the interests of his constituents and advocating for national development.

WHO Activities of Faustine Ndugulile:

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile has been actively involved in numerous WHO initiatives, contributing his expertise and leadership in global health matters.

Dr. Ndugulile was a guest speaker at the WHO-organized African High-Level Meeting on Health Security in Accra, Ghana, from 8-10 November 2023. He also participated in a WHO-organized meeting on “Advancing Global Health Security: From Commitments to Actions” in Bali, Indonesia, from 27-29 June 2016.

“Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, WHO African Regional Director-elect. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and the parliament and people of Tanzania.” – said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

In 2019, Dr. Ndugulile served as the head of delegation to the 72nd World Health Assembly in Geneva. He also attended the 69th World Health Assembly in Geneva in 2016 as a delegate, and most recently, he participated as a delegate at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva in 2024.

Dr. Ndugulile participated as a parliamentarian in the WHO-organized Ministerial Conference on Malaria in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 6 March 2024. Additionally, he took part in the WHO-organized stakeholder consultation on accountability for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health in Geneva on 16-17 November 2015.

Furthermore, Dr. Ndugulile participated in WHO-organized consultations on the Strategic Partnership for Country Planning Workshop following the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) from 14-18 November 2016.

Dr. Ndugulile passed away in India, where he had been receiving medical care, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and leadership in both public health and politics.

WHO African Region:

“The entire WHO African Region family is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, WHO African Regional Director-Elect.Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the government and people of Tanzania.”

Socé Fall:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, WHO Africa Regional Director-elect and Member of Parliament for Kigamboni. His unwavering dedication to public health and service has left an indelible mark on Tanzania and the entire African continent.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us in our collective pursuit of better health for all.”

Toyin Saraki:

“It is with sadness that I join the global health community in mourning the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the incoming Regional Director of the World Health Organization’s African Region. As Special Adviser to the Independent Advisory Group of WHO AFRO and as Founder-President of the Wellbeing Africa Foundation, a non-state actor in the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, I appreciate and respect Dr Ndugulile’s significant contributions to public health, his advocacy for evidence-based policies, and his commitment to a healthier Africa.

His leadership, vision, and courage were evident throughout his distinguished career, from pioneering work with Tanzania’s National Blood Transfusion Services to his principled stance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Ndugulile’s election as Regional Director was a testament to the trust and hope the continent had placed in him to lead transformative health advancements. 

I extend my deepest condolences to Dr Ndugulile’s family, colleagues, and the people of Tanzania. May we honour his legacy by redoubling our efforts to create a healthier and more equitable Africa, just as he envisioned.”

Akinwumi A. Adesina:

“It was with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the newly elected Regional Director for Africa of the WHO. I wish to offer my deepest condolences to his family, President Suluhu Samia of Tanzania and WHO. May his soul rest in peace.”

Richard Mihigo:

“I am still very shocked & saddened to learn since this morning the untimely death of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the Regional Director elect of WHO AFRO . I convey my sincere & deepest condolences to his family and to all WHO AFRO staff. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”