WHO Director-General rescinds Mugabe's Goodwill Ambassador appointment

22 Octobre 2017

Geneva, Switzerland, October 22 (Infosplusgabon) -  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has rescined the appointment of Zimabean President Robert Mugabe as its Goodwill Ambnassador for Non-Communicable Diseases (NDCs).

The WHO has been heavily criticised for apppointing nonagenarian Mugabe who is said to have presided over the collapse of the health case system in the Southern African country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom 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."

"It is my aim to build a worldwide movement for global health. This movement must work for everyone and include everyone.

Tedros added: "For me, what is important is to build political leadership and create unity around bringing health to all, based on WHO’s core values."

The WHO boss said he remained firmly committed to working with all countries and their leaders to ensure that every one had access to the health care they needed.

"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."

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/BSE/GABON 2017

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