Luis Gomes Sambo of Angola, whose candidature was endorsed by SADC leaders at the last summit in Mauritius, has been nominated to become the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Africa. He takes over from Ibrahim Malick Samba, in January 2005.

Sambo beat Deogratias Barakamfitiye (Burundi), Phetsile Kholekile Dlamini (Swaziland) and Francis Gervase Omaswa (Uganda) who also vied for the post.

With 25 years experience in public health of which 15 were at the WHO, Sambo coordinated technical support provided to southern African countries.

Before joining the WHO, Sambo served Angola in various health-related capacities. He was educated and trained in Angola, Portugal, Switzerland and the United States.