ABOUT
Dr. Faustine Ndugulile stands as a distinguished medical professional, public health specialist, and politician, with a remarkable track record exceeding 20 years. His career is a testament to his profound expertise across technical, policy, and political arenas. Dr. Ndugulile has held pivotal roles, including technocrat in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, expatriate, Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister of Health, and Minister for Communication and Information Technology.
His comprehensive background, integrating technical, policy, legislative, and people-oriented insights, equips him with a unique 360-degree perspective. Dr. Ndugulile’s diverse skill set and extensive international experience make him an exceptional candidate for the position of regional director of the WHO African region. His qualifications and achievements underscore his capability to lead and drive significant public health initiatives, promising a transformative impact on the health landscape of the region.
He is a visionary leader with the vision, expertise, and dedication needed to make a lasting positive impact on public health and ensure a healthier future for all.
PERSONAL CHARACTER
Dr. Ndugulile is known for his meticulous attention to detail and practical approach to issues. As a leader in global health, he is unwavering in his dedication to improving public health outcomes. His passion for humanities and sustainable development drives his commitment to serving communities and making a positive impact. Dr. Ndugulile possesses excellent global health experience, communication skills and diplomatic finesse. Dr. Ndugulile’s strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving abilities enable him to tackle challenges with resilience and a solutions-oriented mindset. His humility, empathy, and genuine passion for public health underscore his desire to create a healthier and more equitable world for all.
LEADERSHIP STYLE
Dr. Ndugulile’s leadership style is exceptionally well-suited for promoting collaboration at both regional and inter-country levels. He places a strong emphasis on effective communication, fostering a collaborative approach, and maintaining a positive work environment. Dr. Ndugulile firmly believes in empowering team members, encouraging their professional growth, and cultivating a culture of accountability and excellence. His remarkable ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams of healthcare professionals enables him to navigate complex inter-country dynamics and foster successful regional partnerships.
ASPIRATION
Dr. Ndugulile envisions leading a transformative agenda that places the health and well-being of all individuals at the forefront of decision-making. His mission is to collaborate with governments, stakeholders, and communities to implement sustainable health policies and interventions tailored to the unique challenges of Africa’s diverse populations. By fostering partnerships and promoting innovation in healthcare delivery, he aims for a future where comprehensive and quality healthcare services are accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location.
Dr. Ndugulile is committed to advancing public health initiatives through strategic planning, capacity building, and resource mobilization. His aspiration is to create a resilient health ecosystem capable of effectively responding to emerging health threats and promoting health equity. He seeks to leave a lasting legacy of improved health outcomes, increased access to health services, and a sustainable health infrastructure, empowering future generations to lead healthier lives throughout the African region.
Degrees Qualification and academic achievements
Degrees
Bachelor of Laws (LL. B), 2022, Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania
Master of Public Health (MPH), 2010, University of Western Cape, South Africa
Master of Medicine (MMED), 2001, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Doctor of Medicine (MD), 1997, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Certificates
Enhancing leadership Innovation for the Africa’s Health sector program, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Cape Town, South Africa, 2023
Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Programmes -MEASURE, Johannesburg, South Africa (2009).
Diploma in Health Systems Management, Galilee College, Israel (2006).
Improving the Quality of Health Services, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA (2005).
EXPERIENCE AND POSITIONS HELD
Technical Experience
Resident Advisor, Johannesburg, South Africa, July 2007 – September 2010.
Summary
I was hired by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide technical support to various health departments and programs in South Africa, including the National Department of Health (DOH) and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Achievements include developing and executing training initiatives to improve disease surveillance, outbreak response, and laboratory management in South Africa. I also offered expertise in establishing similar programs in Mozambique, Angola, and Rwanda.
Programme Manager, Blood Safety Programme, May 2004-June 2007
Summary
I was the Programme Manager for the Blood Safety Programme, I led the establishment of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) under the Ministry of Health. Key accomplishments included construction of zonal six centers and integrating the programme into government financing for sustainability.
Assistant Director Of Diagnostic Services, Ministry Of Health And Social Welfare, May 2004 – July 2006
Summary
I provided the overall strategic leadership on laboratory, radiology, and health equipment services. Accomplishments include spearheading the implementation of the National Anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) roll-out program, introducing the Quality Management System (QMS) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) program, developing laboratory policies and guidelines
Political Achievements
Minister for Communication and Information Technology, December 2020 to September 2021
Summary
I effectively led the Information Technology and Communication sector in Tanzania. I successfully established the new ministry in 2020, managing a team of over 2000 employees and achieved notable accomplishments, including the formulation of a functional ministerial structure, a significant increase in the ministry’s budget, and the restructuring of underperforming institutions and additionally, I played a key role in increasing internet coverage in the country
Deputy Minister-Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, October 2017 to May 2020
Summary
I provided strategic policy direction and technical expertise to drive the health delivery agenda. Some of the achievements include the construction of over 1000 new health facilities to expand healthcare accessibility, high vaccination coverage, reduced the need for medical treatment abroad by investing in advanced medical facilities and equipment. Additionally, I supervised the construction of the National Public Health Laboratory and strengthened disease surveillance systems, ensuring effective response to health emergencies and outbreaks.
Member of Parliament for Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, October 2010 to date
Summary
I have held various significant positions within parliamentary committees and other organizations. From 2016 to 2017, I served as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse. Additionally, I held the position of Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Services from 2010 to 2013. Moreover, I had the privilege of being elected as a representative of Tanzania in the Pan African Parliament from 2015 to 2018. During this time, I chaired the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Group on Maternal, Child Health, New-born, and HIV/AIDS from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, I played a crucial role as a founding member of both the Global and African TB Caucuses. Some of my notable achievements include championing the passage of the Universal Health Insurance Bill in 2023, advocating for the implementation of an integrated and coordinated CHW program, successfully advocating for the ratification of the African Medicine Agency (AMA) convention, spearheading the amendment of the HIV/AIDS law, and actively participating in the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and the development of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) in Tanzania.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
WHO ACTIVITIES
Guest speaker at the WHO-organized African High-Level Meeting on Health Security in Accra, Ghana, 8-10 November 2023.
Participated in a WHO-organised meeting on “Advancing Global Health Security: From Commitments to Actions” in Bali, Indonesia, 27-29 June 2016.
Head of delegation to the 72nd World Health Assembly in Geneva in 2019.
Delegate to the 69th World Health Assembly in Geneva in 2016.
Delegate to the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva in 2024.
Participated as a parliamentarian in the WHO-organised Ministerial Conference on Malaria in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 6 March 2024.
Participated as a stakeholder consultation on accountability for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health, Geneva, 16-17 November 2015
Participated in WHO-organized consultations on the Strategic Partnership for Country Planning Workshop following the Joint External Evaluation (JEE), 14-18 November 2016.
OTHER INTERNATIONAL HEALTH EXPERIENCES
Vice-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Group on Health (since 2023).
Founding member of the Member of the Global and African TB Caucuses (2015 to date).
Executive member of the Network of African Parliamentary Committees on Health (NEAPACOH) – 2023 to date.
Improving the Quality of Health Services, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA (2005).
Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly in New York – 2023.
Facilitator of a Global Fund-organised high-level meeting of permanent secretaries and TB managers from 11 countries in Arusha, Tanzania, 4-7 July 2023.
Member of the Governing Council of the International AIDS Society (IAS), Geneva, Switzerland (2008 to 2016).
Member of the Advisory Group on Efficiency and Effectiveness in National HIV/AIDS Programmes, IAS (2013-2016).
Member of the Advisory Group on Social and Political Research, IAS (2013-2016).
Chair of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Group on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and HIV/AIDS (2015-2017).