I will respond regarding WHO, says Janabi MNH executive

By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian
Published at 08:32 AM Dec 13 2024
Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Prof. Mohamed Janabi
Photo: MNH
Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Prof. Mohamed Janabi

EXECUTIVE Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Prof. Mohamed Janabi said he will comment and make his intentions clear when the time comes to run for the position of Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Prof. Janabi made the remarks yesterday in Dar es Salaam while addressing journalists about the hospital’s services, including its achievements, challenges in 2024, and future expectations. 

"When the time comes, I will respond regarding WHO. I will answer the questions thoroughly. For now, I won’t comment—let’s wait for the official WHO announcement," he said.

Earlier this week, during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, and ambassadors, President Samia Suluhu Hassan revealed that the government would present Prof. Janabi’s CV in preparation for a potential candidacy for the position left vacant following the passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, who died on November 27, 2024, while receiving treatment in India.

Dr. Ndugulile, a public health expert and Member of Parliament for Kigamboni, was one of the five candidates vying to succeed Dr. Matshidiso Moeti of Botswana.

Prof. Janabi has served as the CEO of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) since 2022. He is a distinguished medical professional with three degrees: a Bachelor’s in Medicine (MD), a Master's in Medicine (MSc), and a PhD in Medical Sciences.

Before his appointment as CEO of MNH, Prof. Janabi worked at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) from 2015 to 2022. Since 2005, he has also served as Chief Medical Officer to former President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete. Additionally, he has been a lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) since 2000 and at the University of South Carolina Medical School in the US since 2003.

Prof. Janabi serves as a board member at major healthcare institutions in Tanzania, including JKCI, the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), MUHAS, and Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). He has also been a senior scientist on the HIV Vaccine Trials (TaMoVac) from 1989 to 2002 and Medical Director at the US.-based non-governmental organisation Doctors of Africa.

With his extensive career in medical science both in Tanzania and internationally, Prof. Janabi has been involved in numerous research projects and has published 83 papers. His publication *Lifestyle and Your Health* aims to raise awareness among Tanzanians about the importance of understanding their health.

During his address, Prof. Janabi highlighted the hospital’s successes, including reducing referrals for specialized services abroad by nearly 90%. However, he also acknowledged the current challenge of limited patient ability to pay for services.

He explained that, in his professional experience, the main cause of diseases among most patients is lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, which lead to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Prof. Janabi also cautioned the public about the risks of consuming too much protein from animal sources, particularly during the festive season when many people indulge in excessive eating. He emphasized the importance of reducing stress through regular exercise, as prolonged stress increases cortisol levels, which can negatively impact blood sugar levels and overall health.

Prof. Janabi provided five health tips, including the importance of knowing your blood pressure, weight, blood sugar levels, and waist circumference. At MNH, he noted that 120 to 150 kidney dialysis treatments are conducted daily, with over 90 per cent of patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes, irregular medication use, and infectious diseases.

He also highlighted that Africa spends $1.4 billion annually to send its citizens abroad for medical treatment, underscoring the importance of strengthening local healthcare systems.

At EXECUTIVE Director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Prof. Mohamed Janabi  said he will comment and make his intentions clear when the time comes to run for the position of Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO)., Prof. Janabi reported that 12 laparoscopic surgeries have been successfully performed, 205 patients have received knee replacements, 23 women have undergone cosmetic surgery, over 200 patients have had bladder balloon surgeries, and 11 patients have had weight-loss surgery, all with positive outcomes.