The head of the World Health Organization reverse his decision of last week to name Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe a goodwill ambassador, saying the retraction is in the “best interests” of the UN agency.
Mugabe, 93, the world’s oldest head of state, has long been criticized at home for going overseas for medical treatment as Zimbabwe’s once-prosperous economy falls apart. Mugabe also faces US sanctions over his government’s human rights abuses.
“Over the last few days, I have reflected on my appointment of H.E. President Robert Mugabe as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for (non-communicable diseases) in Africa. As a result I have decided to rescind the appointment,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says in a statement.
The statement came the day after Tedros said he was “rethinking” the appointment following international opposition to the move.
The United States had called the appointment of Mugabe by WHO’s first African leader “disappointing.”
— AP and AFP
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