The Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Dr. Tulia Ackson, has announced the untimely death of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the Member of Parliament for Kigamboni, who doubled as the Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa.

Dr. Ndugulile passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

In a statement, Dr. Ackson expressed profound sorrow, describing Dr. Ndugulile as a distinguished leader whose contributions extended beyond his constituency to the entire nation.

“I received the sad news of Dr. Ndugulile’s passing with great sorrow. His death is a loss not only to the people of Kigamboni but to all Tanzanians. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace,” she stated.

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, born on March 31, 1969, has served as Kigamboni’s Member of Parliament since 2010 under the CCM party. After the 2020 General Election, he was appointed Minister of Communication and ICT in a newly created ministry under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. In August 2024, he was nominated as the Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, a role he was set to begin.

Global health leaders expressed their grief over his passing.

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

Dr. Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, also shared her condolences, stating, “I’m extremely sad to learn of this unfortunate news this morning. A wonderful soul whose legacy and contribution to global health will live on. May his soul rest in eternal peace. May God comfort his family, friends, and the people of Tanzania.”