The world health organisation (WHO) on Sunday said that it has revoked the appointment of Zimbabwe President, Robert Mugabe as a Goodwill Ambassador following wide public protest over the appointment.
Tedros Adhanom said in a statement announcing the withdrawal, “I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns”.
The WHO boss had previously praised Zimbabwe for its commitment to public health.
But critics pointed out that Zimbabwe’s healthcare system had collapsed under Mugabe’s 30-year rule.
According to the critics, Staff often go without pay, medicines are in short supply, and Mugabe, who has outlived the average life expectancy in his country by three decades, travels abroad for medical treatment.
Tedros said he had consulted with the Zimbabwean government and decided that rescinding Mugabe’s position was “in the best interests of” the WHO.
He reiterated that he remained “firmly committed to working with all countries and their leaders” to build universal health care.
With agency report