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21-10-2017, 02:07 PM
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Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41702662

The choice of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe as a World Health Organization (WHO) goodwill ambassador has been criticised by several organisations including the British government.

It described his selection as "surprising and disappointing" given his country's rights record, and warned it could overshadow the WHO's work.

The British government said it was all the more surprising given US and EU sanctions against him
.
Zimbabwe's leader has been frequently taken to task over human rights abuses by the European Union and the US.

The opposition in Zimbabwe and campaign groups also criticised the move.

Critics say Zimbabwe's health care system has collapsed, with staff often going without pay while medicines are in short supply.

But the WHO head praised Zimbabwe for its commitment to public health.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is Ethiopian and the first African to lead the WHO said it was a country that "places universal health coverage and health promotion at the centre of its policies to provide health care to all".

Dr Tedros was elected in May with a mandate to tackle perceived politicisation in the organisation.
Mugabe's appointment beggars belief .....

Was there a political motive .....
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21-10-2017, 02:37 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

Two things yes I think it's insulting to many to have this man appointed. But number two is it a way to bring him into the wider world community and influence him to do better ? If that's the case if may just be forgivable.
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21-10-2017, 03:11 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

Imogen Foulkes, BBC News, Geneva says:

The UN has a bit of thing for goodwill ambassadors, especially famous ones.

Angelina Jolie, as ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency, was regularly pictured comforting displaced families in over-crowded camps.

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer visits aid projects in Africa for Unicef and plays charity matches to raise money.

Further back in time, film star and Unicef goodwill ambassador Audrey Hepburn visited disaster zones and graced gala dinners where her glittering presence was an encouragement to donors.

The publicity does attract support for relief efforts.

But it is hard to imagine 93-year-old Robert Mugabe fulfilling a similar remit.

Will he provide comfort in WHO field clinics in conflict zones? Would one of his suit jackets fetch a high price at auction? Would the presence of a man who is widely accused of human rights abuses encourage more $10,000-a-plate attendees at a gala ball?

Somehow it just does not seem likely, which begs the question, what exactly is Mr Mugabe going to do in his new role? The World Health Organization has not made this at all clear.
The lovely Audrey Hepburn, who endured years of disease, death and destruction under a fanatical dictator, will be turning in her grave .....
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21-10-2017, 05:18 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

Given his age, we can but hope he manages to 'pop his clogs' sometime soon!!!
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21-10-2017, 07:42 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

Originally Posted by Uncle Joe ->
Given his age, we can but hope he manages to 'pop his clogs' sometime soon!!!


+ 1

World health when his own people have suffered from disease, starvation and poverty? It beggars belief.
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21-10-2017, 10:23 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

Absolute joke. Wasn't it one of his 'friends' who chose him.

Just shows what a farce the WHO is. Lost all credibility in my opinion, although not only because of this instance.

This is the guy who chose him. Director General !! Not holding out much hope .

Mr Tedros, an Ethiopian who became WHO's first African director-general this year,
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22-10-2017, 02:51 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

WHO cancels Robert Mugabe goodwill ambassador role

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41713919

The World Health Organization has revoked the appointment of Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe as a goodwill ambassador following a widespread outcry.

"I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns," WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

Mr Tedros said he had consulted with the Zimbabwean government and decided that rescinding Mr Mugabe's position was "in the best interests of" the WHO.

He said he remained "firmly committed to working with all countries and their leaders" to build universal health care.
Mr Tedros may have been wrong in the first place but he has responded to the worldwide criticism with appropriate action - let's hope he shows better judgement for the rest of his tenure .....
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22-10-2017, 03:54 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

I think he must have his roots in Yorkshire, e ba gum ( backwards)
But yes I agree what on earth did they pick him for ?
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22-10-2017, 04:25 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

I can't help thinking all these big organisations are fairly corrupt these days, and they live a rarified existence so have no idea what real people think.
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22-10-2017, 04:52 PM
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Re: Robert Mugabe's WHO appointment condemned as 'an insult'

While in hospital for my cancer surgery I had several long discussions with a lovely man who cleaned the ward. He was a Zimbabwean (sp?) refugee and he told me in some detail how his country had been destroyed by Mugabe. This man was highly educated (had been a teacher), it broke his heart to see the state the country was in, how their agricultural heritage was ruined, also their health service and education system. He said that it was a country of so many natural resources, which had been brought to it's knees by Mugabe's regime.

Our discussions were a tremendous education for me.
 
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