The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has announced the appointment of Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu as the Acting WHO African Regional Director. Dr. Ihekweazu, who is currently the Assistant Director-General and Deputy Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, will lead the African region until a permanent director is appointed following the World Health Assembly.
Dr. Ihekweazu joined the WHO in 2021 and has been instrumental in enhancing global health emergency response capabilities. Before his tenure at the WHO, he served as the first Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), where he spearheaded Nigeria’s response to public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Ghebreyesus expressed confidence in Dr. Ihekweazu’s leadership, stating, “I am confident that the region is in very capable hands.”
The appointment comes as the WHO African region faces critical health challenges, including the ongoing threat of infectious diseases, vaccine distribution, and healthcare infrastructure development.
In a symbolic moment captured after the announcement, Dr. Ihekweazu presented Dr. Ghebreyesus with a copy of his book, An Imperfect Storm, which chronicles his experiences and insights from managing global and national health crises.
Health experts across Africa and beyond have welcomed the news, acknowledging Dr. Ihekweazu’s deep expertise and leadership in public health as vital for the continued strengthening of the continent’s health systems.
