Dr Faustine Ndugulile, Kigamboni MP and World Health Organisation Africa director-elect, died early Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in India, officials said.
Tanzania Parliamentary Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson confirmed the news in a brief statement shared on Parliament’s social media platforms.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the MP for Kigamboni and WHO Regional Director-elect for Africa. On behalf of all Members of Parliament, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, residents of Kigamboni, and all Tanzanians,” Dr Ackson said.
The statement did not disclose the nature of Dr Ndugulile’s illness. He was aged 55.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan mourned the MP, terming his death “a significant loss.”
"I have received with great sadness the news of the passing of Honourable Dr Faustine Ndugulile. His death is a significant loss, not only to the people of Kigamboni but to all Tanzanians,” the President said in her statement.
A former deputy minister of Health, Dr Ndugulile was nominated WHO Africa regional director at the 74th WHO Regional Committee Session in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, in August 2024.
He was to take over the post from Botswana’s Dr Matshidiso Moeti in February 2025.
Dr Ndugulile was a medic and lawyer trained at the University of Dares Salaam and the University of Western Cape, South Africa.
He was a Member of the Pan African Parliament from 2015 to 2017 and the Africa region representative to the International Aids Society from 2008 to 2016.
After his election to the WHO’s Africa Regional Director in August this year, Dr Ndugulile remained MP for Kigamboni Constituency, and was set for resignation at end of the year.
