WHO rescinds Mugabe’s appointment as NCDs goodwill ambassador

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director General,  Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,  on Sunday reversed his decision to name Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe as a goodwill ambassador, following widespread uproar against the appointment.

In a statement from the  WHO headquarters Dr  Ghebreyesus said:  “Over the last few days, I have reflected on my appointment of H.E. President Robert Mugabe as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for NCDs in Africa. As a result I have decided to rescind the appointment.

“I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns, and heard the different issues that they have raised. I have also consulted with the Government of Zimbabwe and we have concluded that this decision is in the best interests of the World Health Organization.”

The decision to appoint Mugabe  as a WHO  Goodwill Ambassador has been heavily criticized  by public health experts and key WHO donors like Britain, Canada and the US , saying Zimbabwe’s healthcare system has collapsed under Mugabe’s 37-year rule.

The WHO DG however  restated his aim ” to build a worldwide movement for global health. This movement must work for everyone and include everyone. For me, what is important is to build political leadership and create unity around bringing health to all, based on WHO’s core values.

“I remain firmly committed to working with all countries and their leaders to ensure that every one has access to the health care they need.

“We must build bridges that bring us together and help us move forward in our quest to achieve universal health coverage.

“I thank everyone who has voiced their concerns and shared their thoughts. I depend on constructive debate to help and inform the work I have been elected to do,”  he said.