WHO rescinds Mugabe appointment amid backlash

CTV National News: WHO in damage control mode The World Health Organization is backtracking after appointing Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe as goodwill ambassador. Vanessa Lee explains.

JOHANNESBURG -- The head of the UN health agency has decided to revoke his appointment of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe as a "goodwill ambassador" after the choice drew widespread criticism.

World Health Organization director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus last week told a conference in Uruguay on non-communicable diseases that Mugabe had agreed to be a "goodwill ambassador" on the issue.

Tedros said in a statement Sunday that he had "reflected" over the past few days the flood of outrage and concern voiced by international leaders and health experts on Mugabe's appointment. "As a result I have decided to rescind the appointment," he said.

He said he revoked Mugabe's position in the best interests of the World Health Organization. Tedros also said he had consulted with the Zimbabwe government about his decision.

The 93-year-old Mugabe, 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 and the country's health care system deteriorates. Mugabe also faces U.S. sanctions over his government's human rights abuses.