World Health Organisation withdraws invitation to make Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe Goodwill Ambassador after public backlash

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has rescinded its invitation to appoint Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe as a Goodwill Ambassador for the NCDs in Africa.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom tweeted a link to a statement which was posted on the WHO website, informing the public of their decision.

In the statement, he said he had listened to the barrage of abuse directed at the decision and had decided, after talking with the Zimbabwean government, that it was in the best interest of the WHO to rescind the invite to the 93-year-old.  

His statement on the WHO website reads: 'Over the last few days, I have reflected on my appointment of H.E. President Robert Mugabe as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for NCDs in Africa. As a result I have decided to rescind the appointment.

Robert Mugabe has had his invitation to join the WHO as a Goodwill Ambassador rescinded following huge public backlash

'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.

It added: '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.'

Tedros Adhanom is now facing calls to resign from his position following the complete miscalculation of international mood. 

Replying to his latest tweet informing people of the U-turn, Rodger Magagani said: 'Thank you now you can resign.'

After speaking with the Zimbabwean government, the WHO decided it was best to rescind Mugabe's invite

Deceased Cuban President Fidel Castro (R) and his Zimbabwean counterpart Robert Mugabe greet each other at the Revolution Palace in Havana

Dunny Semwayo said: 'Now you can resign for not applying reasonable judgement on this appointment. Your ability to consider circumstances is in question.'

Prof Alijosa added: 'One must be a real genius to do something like this in the first place @WHO, then "reflect" on it... Resign now!'

The rescinded invite caps an embarrassing 48-hour for the international body. The health organisation, which is a specialised arm of the United Nations, asked Mugabe to become a Goodwill Ambassador on Friday. 

Less than 24 hours before he decided to rescind the invite to Mugabe, he tweeted: 'I’m listening. I hear your concerns. Rethinking the approach in light of WHO values. I will issue a statement as soon as possible.' 

Zimbabwe is infamous for its atrocious human-rights abuses and is currently under international sanctions.  

Announcing the appointment on Friday, Dr Ghebreyesus had said Mr Mugabe was chosen for the role because of the strength of Zimbabwe's healthcare system.

Dr Tedros said at an address to the conference: 'I am honoured to be joined by President Mugabe, of Zimbabwe, a country that places universal health coverage and health promotion at the centre of its policies to provide healthcare to all.'