Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, director-general of the World Health Organization, rescinded the appointment of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe as a goodwill ambassador for the organization Oct. 22.
Dr. Tedros appointed Mr. Mugabe as a goodwill ambassador on noncommunicable diseases for Africa Oct. 18, stating he was "honored" Mr. Mugabe agreed to serve in the position, according to STAT News.
However, in a statement Sunday, Dr. Tedros said, "I have reflected on my appointment of [Mr. Mugabe] … 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."
Goodwill ambassadors for the organization "are well-known personalities … who commit to contribute to WHO's efforts to raise awareness of important health problems and solutions," according to a statement on the organization's website. Other ambassadors include former Democratic New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who also serves as an ambassador for noncommunicable diseases, STAT News reports.
Mr. Mugabe's appointment was met with significant opposition from a number of high-profile organizations, including the U.K. government, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and various Zimbabwean citizens, according to BBC News.
Some critics claim Mr. Mugabe is unfit for the role because he has been accused of numerous human rights abuses and of neglecting Zimbabwe's health service following the country's financial downturn in the early 2000s, BBC News reports.