Rescinded Appointment of President Robert Mugabe as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for NCDs in Africa - NCD Alliance response
22nd October 2017
22nd October 2017
"We appreciate Dr Tedros’ leadership in listening to concerns, rethinking the appointment, and responding accordingly." said Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance.
"The world faces unprecedented challenges in responding to the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. With less than a year to go before a UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on NCDs, our focus needs to be firmly fixed on securing strong and courageous leaders from WHO, Governments and civil society giving greater attention to NCDs." said Dain.
"It is crucial that political champions and partners are selected with due diligence and careful consideration of their track record on NCDs, as well as other fundamental principles of human rights and transparency. Safeguarding the reputation and legitimacy of WHO as the leading technical agency for health must not be compromised." said Dain.
"The attendance and commitment of Heads of Government and State is critical for this High-level Meeting on NCDs to be a success. There is now urgency, and an opportunity, for political leaders with a positive and respected influence to step up and support WHO. Those who have expressed concern in recent days should now fill that void and drive forward the NCD agenda in their countries and globally." concluded Dain.