Prof. Bruno Fokas Sunguya, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health

Prof. Bruno Fokas Sunguya, a Tanzanian medical doctor, public health nutrition researcher and professor, was appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the Ministry of Health by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in late September 2026. His appointment brings extensive experience in academic leadership, public health research and institutional management to one of Tanzania’s key health leadership roles. As Chief Medical Officer, he is well placed to contribute to the Ministry’s technical leadership and efforts to strengthen public health services, implement health policy, and support evidence-based decision-making.

Prof. Sunguya’s background combines academic expertise with experience in research management and international health collaboration. Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Consultancy at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), one of Tanzania’s leading institutions for medical education and health research. In this role, he oversaw the university’s research and consultancy functions, drawing on years of experience in academic administration, scientific research and institutional development.
His previous leadership roles at MUHAS included Director of Research and Publications, Head of the Directorate of Research, Publications and Innovation, and Professor in the Department of Community Health. These roles provided experience in research coordination, academic development, and translating scientific knowledge into practical health interventions. His progression from academic and research leadership to the Ministry of Health’s top medical advisory position reflects the importance of scientific expertise and institutional experience in shaping national health priorities.
Beyond Tanzania, Prof. Sunguya has developed an international academic and professional profile. He has served as a Visiting Associate Professor at Kumamoto University in Japan and as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. He has also contributed to international advisory work, including membership of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Nutrition Guidance Expert Advisory Group. These engagements have linked his work to wider discussions on nutrition, public health evidence and the development of health guidance.
Prof. Sunguya’s research interests span public health nutrition, global health, infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and maternal and child health. Across these areas, his work has addressed issues relevant to disease prevention, population health and the wellbeing of vulnerable groups. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and national public health reports, demonstrating a substantial scholarly record. He has also led large-scale research projects and national health surveys in collaboration with organisations including the WHO, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United Nations.
This combination of research and policy experience is particularly relevant to public health administration, where decisions must respond to population needs while drawing on reliable evidence. Research findings, health surveillance and national surveys can help identify emerging challenges, inform resource allocation and assess the effectiveness of interventions. Prof. Sunguya’s experience across these areas provides a strong academic foundation for his role in the Ministry of Health, although the impact of his appointment will ultimately depend on how effectively technical advice is translated into policy and implementation.
He earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Dar es Salaam’s Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences in 2006. He subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in Japan at the University of Tokyo, earning a Master of Science (MSc) in Community and Global Health in 2012 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Community and Global Health in 2015. This training laid the foundation for his subsequent work at the intersection of clinical medicine, population health, nutrition and research.
Prof. Sunguya’s appointment brings a leader with substantial academic, research, and international experience to Tanzania’s public health administration. His professional background combines scientific expertise and institutional leadership to support evidence-informed approaches to national health challenges. His effectiveness in the role will be measured by his contributions to strengthening health systems, improving the use of research in decision-making, and advancing public health outcomes nationwide.