On April 2, 2025, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health and First Vice President of the 74th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, spearheaded a distinguished panel to screen candidates for the coveted role of Regional Director for the WHO African Region.
Dr. Kpoto’s leadership in this high-stakes process underscores her prominent role in global health diplomacy. With her extensive public health expertise, she is uniquely positioned to oversee the selection of a leader who will be tasked with shaping Africa’s public health policies at a time when the continent faces numerous challenges, including a decline in donor funding and the need for sustainable health investments.
The panel is reviewing four highly qualified nominees, each backed by their respective Member States. The candidates are Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Dramé Mohammed Lamine from Guinea, Prof. Mijiyawa Moustafa from Togo, and Prof. Janabi Mohamed Yakub from Tanzania. With their proven track records in public health leadership and policy development, these candidates bring diverse experiences to the table.
Dr. Kpoto’s role in the screening process reflects Liberia’s commitment to advancing global health initiatives and supporting the WHO’s mission. The selection process adheres to the WHO’s transparent framework, allowing each candidate to present their health agendas and visions to the Member States. This ensures that the evaluation will be thorough and impartial, with the aim of selecting a Regional Director capable of addressing the critical health challenges facing Africa.
As the continent continues to struggle with persistent health issues such as disease outbreaks, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and health disparities, the Regional Director will be instrumental in fostering collaboration across nations, mobilizing funding for essential health initiatives, and driving efforts to achieve universal health coverage. The next director will play a pivotal role in strengthening Africa’s resilience against emerging health threats and improving healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Kpoto’s tenure as First Vice President of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa since August 2024 has already demonstrated her leadership and diplomatic prowess. Her guidance in this selection process not only highlights her significant contributions to global health but also reinforces Liberia’s growing influence in international health governance.
With Dr. Kpoto at the helm, the selection of the next WHO Regional Director promises to bring about a leader who will drive impactful change in Africa’s public health landscape, ensuring a future of sustainable healthcare and better health outcomes for the continent.
