Former Tanzanian Presidential Advisor Appointed to Senior WHO Role in Kenya
Former Tanzanian presidential advisor Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo has been appointed as the Acting World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Kenya, marking a new chapter in cooperation between the United Nations health agency and the Kenyan government.
Her appointment signals renewed collaboration at a time when Kenya is implementing major health reforms and addressing emerging public health challenges.
Dr. Kimambo officially began her assignment with a courtesy visit to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on February 4, where discussions focused on WHO’s strategic priorities for Kenya in 2026.
The meeting highlighted key areas of cooperation, including advancing universal health coverage, strengthening disease surveillance systems, and improving the overall resilience of Kenya’s health sector.
Both sides emphasized the need for continued partnership to support ongoing reforms and enhance healthcare delivery across the country.
Her appointment comes at a sensitive time in the region, following recent diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Tanzania linked to the latest general elections.
At the same time, Kenya is pushing forward with reforms aimed at improving access to healthcare while responding to evolving public health risks and system pressures.
Before taking up her new role in Kenya, Dr. Kimambo served as an advisor to former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, where she played an important role in shaping national health policies, strengthening international health cooperation, and coordinating donor-supported health programmes.
Her experience in government and international health diplomacy has been widely viewed as valuable in strengthening WHO’s engagement with member states.
During her introductory meeting with Kenyan health officials, Dr. Kimambo underscored the importance of the long-standing relationship between WHO and Kenya.
She noted that the partnership remains essential in improving health outcomes and safeguarding national health security, adding that continued collaboration will support Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare systems and protect the well-being of its citizens.
Dr. Kimambo brings more than 25 years of experience in public health leadership, policy implementation, and health systems development across Africa.
Prior to her appointment in Kenya, she served as the WHO Representative to Malawi between 2022 and 2025, where she led several health system reforms and public health programmes aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening institutional capacity.
She has also worked at the WHO Regional Office for Africa as a Medical Officer for Child and Adolescent Health, providing technical leadership on maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health initiatives across multiple African countries.
In addition, she served as Acting WHO Representative to Ghana from 2019 to 2021, further expanding her experience in regional health diplomacy and programme management.
Before joining the World Health Organization, the public health specialist held several senior positions within Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, including Director of Preventive Services.
In this role, she oversaw national preventive and promotive health programmes aimed at reducing disease burden and improving community health outcomes.
As a presidential advisor, she focused on reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health and represented Tanzania in global initiatives focused on accountability for women’s and children’s health.
Academically, Dr. Kimambo holds medical and public health qualifications from the University of Dar es Salaam and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
She has pledged to work closely with Kenya’s Ministry of Health and other partners to advance universal health coverage, strengthen health systems, and improve access to quality healthcare services across the country.
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