WHO appoints Dr. Fabian Ndenzako to lead health initiatives in Botswana

BOTSWANA—The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially welcomed Dr. Fabian Ndenzako as the new Head of Mission and WHO Representative to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Dr. Ndenzako’s appointment comes at a crucial moment, as WHO seeks to deepen its collaboration with Botswana’s recently elected government and drive forward health priorities across Southern Africa.

Dr. Ndenzako brings over 25 years of experience in public health, including more than two decades of service within WHO in a variety of regions and leadership roles.

His academic credentials are equally impressive: he is a medical doctor trained at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Oslo, and a master’s in development studies and diplomacy from the University for Peace, in partnership with UNITAR.

In his new role, Dr. Ndenzako will lead the implementation of the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2024–2027, ensuring that WHO’s efforts are closely aligned with Botswana’s National Development Plan.

The strategy focuses strengthening health systems to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC); delivering quality, equitable, and integrated health services across all stages of life; preventing and controlling both communicable and non-communicable diseases; enhancing health security and disaster risk reduction management and promoting multisectoral action for a healthier population.

Dr. Ndenzako’s leadership is expected to further advance the health and well-being of people in Botswana and the broader SADC region.

He has already expressed his deep honor in taking up the post and reaffirmed WHO’s unwavering commitment to supporting Botswana’s health sector.

He specifically praised Botswana’s achievements in public health, such as the national response to HIV and the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections.

At the same time, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including post-pandemic recovery, climate change impacts, and economic constraints, and emphasized WHO’s continued support to help Botswana tackle health inequities and improve care for its most vulnerable citizens.

Before his appointment in Botswana, Dr. Ndenzako served as Acting WHO Representative in South Africa, based in Pretoria.

He has also led WHO country offices in South Sudan (2021–2024) and Malawi (2018–2019), where he demonstrated strong leadership in managing complex public health situations, crisis response, and resource mobilization.

Earlier in his career, he worked as a Medical Officer for HIV, Hepatitis, and TB at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, supporting over 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.

 His responsibilities included reviewing national health programs, developing strategies and guidelines, coordinating multi-country responses, and mobilizing resources for health emergencies and epidemics.

Additionally, Dr. Ndenzako spent nearly a decade with the WHO Western Pacific Region in Papua New Guinea, where he supported efforts to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

His extensive experience working with governments, the United Nations, NGOs, civil society, donors, and international partners highlights his commitment to inclusive and collaborative approaches in public health.

Reflecting on the significance of his appointment, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Hon. Phenyo Butale, welcomed Dr. Ndenzako and stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and resilient health systems, especially in a rapidly changing global environment.

Dr. Ndenzako’s leadership is expected to steer WHO Botswana towards impactful results, supporting national priorities and strengthening regional coordination through SADC.

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