WHO Revokes Mugabe’s Goodwill Ambassador Appointment

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, South Africa, Southern Africa Monday, October 23rd, 2017

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Following alleged widespread outcry, the World Health Organization WHO has revoked its appointment of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe as a goodwill Ambassador.

While giving reasons for the decision, WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement “I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns,”

Ghebreyesus had previously praised Zimbabwe for its commitment to public health.

The statement claimed that critics pointed out that Zimbabwe’s healthcare system had collapsed under Mr Mugabe’s 30-year rule.

The claims alleged that staff often go without pay, medicines always in short supply, as well as Mr. Mugabe, who has outlived the average life expectancy in his country by three decades, travels abroad for medical treatment.

Mr. Tedros claimed that he had consulted with the Zimbabwean government and decided that rescinding Mr. Mugabe’s position was “in the best interests of the WHO.

He said he remained “firmly committed to working with all countries and their leaders” to build universal health care.

Mr Tedros, who was elected in May under the slogan “let’s prove the impossible is possible”, had said he hoped Mr. Mugabe would use his goodwill ambassador role to “influence his peers in the region”.