DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Tanzanian health expert was on Wednesday elected as the new director general of the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), an intergovernmental health organization that fosters and promotes regional cooperation in health among member states.
According to a statement from the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, Ntuli Kapologwe was elected to the position after defeating six other candidates during the elections held in Malawi.
"This is the second time Tanzania has held this position in the 51-year history of the ECSA-HC," said Minister of Health Jenista Mhagama, adding that the first Tanzanian to serve in this role was Winnie Mpanju, who held the post from 1993 to 2000.
Mhagama said the victory demonstrates Tanzania's continued recognition on the global stage, showcasing its pool of highly qualified professionals capable of leading international organizations and significantly contributing to global health advancements.
Kapologwe succeeds Yoswa Dambisya of Uganda, who served two five-year terms.
Member states of the ECSA-HC are Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
