The government of Lesotho will support the United Republic of Tanzania in the upcoming elections of the next Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) – African Region, which will be held in Geneva next month.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, during the visit of Tanzania’s Minister of Health Mrs. Jenister Mhagama, to the country on Wednesday as the special envoy of the President of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Hassan.
Mr. Mpotjoane said Lesotho and Tanzania share mutual relations, which are cemented by cooperation within the Southern African Development Community as they are both members.
On the other hand, Mrs. Mhagama, who paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane said he handed over a special message from her President to the Prime Minister which was of seeking Lesotho’s support for Tanzania nomination as WHO Regional Director, as she is the candidate.
The elections came after the death of former WHO African Region Director Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, who was also from Tanzania.
The Regional Director is appointed by the WHO Executive Board in agreement with the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
The Director-General informs each member state of the region, at least 11 months before the opening session of the regional committee at which a person is due to be nominated as Regional Director, that he will receive proposals for the names of candidates for nomination.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (16/4/2025)
