Cotonou, Benin, 5 November 2014 - Dr Matshidiso Moeti of the Republic of Botswana was today nominated to be the next World Health Organization's Regional Director for Africa. Health Ministers from the 47 Countries that constitute the WHO African Region nominated her at their annual meeting, which is taking place in Cotonou. Dr Moeti is scheduled to take up her new post on 1 February 2015, succeeding Dr Luis Sambo, whose mandate ends on 31 January 2015 after having served as the Regional Director for the past 10 years

Speaking after her nomination, she pledged to work for and with every member state to address the health challenges facing the African Region. The Regional Director-elect noted that the Millennium Development Goals propelled the Region to a certain level of health. Dr Moeti also underscored the need to further work to enhance equity and human rights towards universal health care. “I commit myself and colleagues to build on what we have created so far and I am confident that we will ride on the positive things happening in the Region.” 

Dr Moeti’s nomination is subject to confirmation by WHO's Executive Board in January 2015.