The World Health Organization (WHO) has revoked the appointment of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe as a goodwill ambassador days after his appointment, a move that angered and stunned human rights activists.
WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus last week told a conference in Uruguay on non-communicable diseases that Mugabe, who was present, had agreed to be a “goodwill ambassador” on the issue, drawing widespread outcry.
After the outcry by international leaders and health experts, Tedros said in a statement that he had reflected and decided to change his mind, calling it in the best interests of the U.N. health agency.
“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” said WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement.
He however explained that Mugabe’s appointment was part of the WHO commitment ” to working with all countries and their leaders to ensure that every one has access to the health care they need”.
“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. It is my 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” he added, urging: “We must build bridges that bring us together and help us move forward in our quest to achieve universal health coverage”
Critics pointed out that Zimbabwe’s healthcare system had collapsed under Mr Mugabe’s 30-year rule as staff often go without pay and medicines in short supply as Mr Mugabe travels abroad for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, President Mugabe has said he respects the turnabout, with the Zimbabwe government saying WHO “benefited tremendously” from the attention Mugabe’s appointment drew.
Mugabe You are the AUTHOR of african…..No eye has seen in the white supremacy
They just want him to die honorably
Nonsense and stupidity from the long nose.
“Give us another monster by whatever name, he will suffer the same consequences, ” long live comrade Mugabe
He was Van Rooyened.
stop mocking us africans,what made them appoint him in the first place?kwagwereni uko
A wise man,a popular singer once said ,”a stone that was rejected by a builder became a corner stone “.
White people agaist black.
This planet called earth is funny. Mugabe a goodwill ambassador? God forbid!!!
Funny is meaningless for Mugabe, try to find a better word to describe this word, I mean strong word.
let him die soon
good luck Robby
Kkkkkkk kuchita kuyipa ndi khalidwe lomwe iyaaaa!
Nganga yakula kukamwa chonchi
Large up yourself Mugabe
MULI BHO BIG
Kkkkkk… Then give it to Mutharika..
Curious: What calibre of a human do we have atop the WHO? A person occupying such a high position must be able to defend a decision he makes!!! What has happened is more embarrassing to the head of WHO, not Mugabe!!! How does the world trust him when he makes other decisions tomorrow?
I really fell in love with the Head for WHO he made a bold decision that even though the west hate Mugabe son of Africa but his name became the first to feature as Ambassador Congratulations WHO. Revoke it but footprint has been Marked .It’s Mugabe our Man of the year
That’s true @Jere
Long live Mr president Mugabe
Appointed again? Congratulations agogo, the Son of the Soil.
Black people are stupid ,bzy fighting your brother Mugabe, shame on you. May Allah bless Mugabe
ARE YOU WHITE?
Long Live Mr President.. True son of Africa (Robert Mugabe).. Africa Loves U Mr President
The Son of the Soil.
Which Africa loves Mugabe? Only the blind maybe….
Yes we Africans!! We love him,Westerners hate him because he doesn’t fall for their traps that makes us fight ourselves and them(Westerners) steal our resources
Like Mother like Daughter the case of WHO & UN, WHO is another arm of UN, both are too AMERICAN & UK English!
Big up
I’m okey with it,African leader s don’t deserve any recognitions,there too corrupt they don’t mind about human rights…. this Mugabe and the wife grace what good have they done for Zimbabwe…. apart from getting rich and buy expensive diamond rings….
I agree with you sir. things are upside down here in Zimb
That was so stupid of WHO.
Big hnds 2 hm!