Robert Mugabe removed as WHO goodwill ambassador after outcry

Robert Mugabe removed as WHO goodwill ambassador after outcry

- On Wednesday, October 18, it was announced that Robert Mugabe was a World Health Organization goodwill ambassador

- Following the announcement there was a huge outcry against him and the organization

- On Sunday, October 22, Dr Tedros Adhanom, the DG of the organization announced the rescinding of the appointment

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was made a goodwill ambassador by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday October 18, 2017.

With Mugabe on hand, WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus told a conference in Uruguay this week on non-communicable diseases that he had agreed to be a "goodwill ambassador" on the issue.

The appointment was condemned by two dozen health organisations. However, Tedros was of the opinion that Mugabe could use the role "to influence his peers in his region".

In his speech, Tedros described Zimbabwe as "a country that places universal health coverage and health promotion at the centre of its policies to provide health care to all."

Concerned organizations including the World Heart Federation, Action Against Smoking and Cancer Research UK — released a statement slamming the appointment, saying health officials were shocked and deeply concerned and citing his long track record of human rights violations.

Following the outrage, WHO then removed the Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe, as a goodwill ambassador.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who made the appointment at a high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uruguay said:

“Over the last few days, I have reflected on my appointment of His Excellency President Robert Mugabe as WHO goodwill ambassador for NCDs in Africa. As a result I have decided to rescind the appointment."

READ ALSO: Zimbabwean President Mugabe visits Singapore for treatment third time this year

Below is his tweet:

He also said:

"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, based on WHO’s core values.

"I remain firmly committed to working with all countries and their leaders to ensure that every one has access to the health care they need.

"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."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Mugabe, has announced that a new ministry for cyber security has been created as a trap to catch “rats” misusing the internet in the country.

Former Zimbabwe finance minister, Patrick Chinamasa, has been named as the minister who will head this new Cyber Security, Threat Detection, and Mitigation ministry.

Nigerians speak out against N1,500 budget for health per person - on Legit.ng TV.

Source: Legit.ng

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