The World Health Organization walked back on its move to make Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe a "goodwill ambassador." He has been condemned for rights violations and allowing the health care system to deteriorate.
Image: Reuters/P. Bulawayo
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The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Sunday that it had revoked the appointment of 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe as the organizations "goodwill ambassador."
"I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns, and heard the different issues that they have raised," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the first African to hold his post.
The WHO came under fire immediately after it named Mugabe a "goodwill ambassador" on Friday.
Zimbabwe's once prosperous economy has been devastated under Mugabe's 37-year rule. Like many public services, the health system has collapsed, with hospitals lacking basic medical supplies and medicines; nurses and doctors often go unpaid.
Critics pointed to Mugabe's need to seek medical assistance abroad as a testament to Zimbabwe's crumbling health system.
More than two dozen medical organizations issued a statement saying they were "shocked and deeply concerned to hear of this appointment, given President Mugabe's long track record of human rights violations and undermining the dignity of human beings."
The groups said they raised the issue with the WHO chief but their concerns were initially ignored, while the United States called the decision "disappointing."
Human rights groups also condemned the decision.
"Given Mugabe's appalling human rights record, calling him a Goodwill Ambassador for anything embarrasses WHO and Doctor Tedros," Iain Levine, program director at Human Rights Watch, wrote on Twitter.
WHO rethinks move
Earlier in the week, Ghebreyesus had praised Mugabe at a conference on non-communicable diseases in Uruguay this week, saying the 93-year-old could use the new role to "influence his peers in his region."
Zimbabwe is "a country that places universal health coverage and health promotion at the center of its policies to provide health care to all," said Tedros.
However, following the waves of criticism that followed Friday's announcement, WHO said that it would re-evaluate its decision.
According to WHO, non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses are the leading cause of death and disability in the world, killing at least 36 million people every year.
The UN appoints goodwill ambassadors to draw attention to certain causes, but they hold little power. Mugabe would have been the first African to hold the post.
Zimbabwe marks Robert Mugabe's 92nd birthday with lavish party
The world's oldest leader celebrated his 92nd birthday with a series of lavish parties. Thousands of ZANU-PF loyalists, foreign dignitaries and members of the public joined in the celebration for the president.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Ufumeli
Let them eat cake!
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is facing censure for a 92nd birthday bash on Saturday, which cost $800,000 (730,000 euros). Critics say the outlandish party was an affront to ordinary citizens as the impoverished country grapples with a severe drought and a struggling economy.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Ufumeli
Multi-tiered cake with gold frosting
Saturday's party was a culmination of a week-long celebration for Mugabe, the world's oldest president, who turned 92 last Sunday. An estimated 50,000 guests feasted on hundreds of kilos of beef and game along with expensive cakes and desserts, while millions face the prospect of starvation.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Ufumeli
Even the card was hyper-inflated
Mugabe was treated to a day of poetry, readings and songs, many of them hailing him as an African icon and a visionary. His party faithful brushed off criticism of the birthday bash, with one spokesman saying it was impossible to put a price on Mugabe's contribution to Zimbabwe's development.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo
A brass band for the brass neck
The televised event saw a military band play, while many supporters wore outfits emblazoned with Mugabe's portrait. Ninety-two balloons were let off and many of his African peers took turns to congratulate him.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Ufumeli
Ordinary citizens foot the bill
While Mugabe and his wife Grace enjoyed the celebrations, local media reported that party activists had ordered teachers and villagers in the rural districts of Masvingo - where the party was held - to make cash donations to help pay for it.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Ufumeli
Zimbabwe declared a 'state of disaster'
Masvingo is one of the regions most affected by Zimbabwe's worst drought in 25 years. Officials say 75 percent of the staple maize crop has been destroyed by the parched conditions. Around 3 million people are deemed to be food insecure.
Image: picture alliance/dpa/T. Mukwazhi
Drought takes its toll on vital food sources
The Zimbabwean government recently appealed for $1.6 billion (1.46 billion euros) in international aid to cover food imports after water sources dried up and the national cattle herd was decimated. But, even then Mugabe said he wouldn't accept help if it came with conditions, like recognizing gay marriage.
Image: picture alliance/dpa/A. Ufumeli
No intention of stepping down
Despite presiding over an era of economic decline, hyper-inflation, mass emigration and allegations of human rights abuses, Mugabe is still a popular leader, having won around 60 percent support in the 2013 elections. Photos and painted images of him can be seen all over Zimbabwe.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo
92 years old, 36 years in power
Despite his age, Mugabe has remained tight lipped on succession plans. Fighting within his ruling ZANU-PF party has intensified in recent months, over who will eventually replace the country's only ever leader since independence from Britain in 1980.
