The head of the U.N.'s health agency has faced criticism, smears and death threats over the handling of the coronavirus outbreak
The World Health Organization’s director-general has faced many challenges during the coronavirus pandemic: racial slurs, death threats, social media caricatures — he was once depicted as a ventriloquist’s dummy in the hands of Chinese President Xi Jinping — and U.S. funding cuts.
Critics and some analysts cite his background as a government minister in Ethiopia, with its history of authoritarian regimes. Not long after taking office in 2017, Tedros appointed Zimbabwe’s then president, Robert Mugabe, who often traveled abroad to receive health care, as a WHO “goodwill ambassador,” only to revoke the appointment after a wave of outrage erupted.
He’s the first WHO chief from Africa, and the first who doesn’t have a medical degree — seen as a hole in his resume by some critics.Tedros was born in the city of Asmara, before it and the rest of Eritrea split from Ethiopia. Like many Ethiopians, he goes by his first name. A father of five, he has tweeted about riding bikes with his daughter. A few years ago, he tried out the saxophone, but give it up because of a heavy workload.
No stranger to the personal anecdote, Tedros once said it was “pure luck” for him to aspire to the top WHO job, noting that when he was 7, his younger brother died from a childhood disease — and it could just as easily have been him.Dr. Lia Tadesse, Ethiopia’s current health minister, who worked with Tedros when he had her job, said he was known for showing calm, patience and a good ear.
Political sniping between the U.S. and China, and Tedros’ own political baggage, can make it tough to cut through the noise during a global health emergency.“If you criticize the WHO and Tedros, you’re somehow seen as a supporter of the Trump administration and their clearly self-serving attacks to shift blame from their own failure,” said Jeffrey Smith, director of Washington-based Vanguard Africa, a promoter of democracy. “On the other hand, if you defend Dr.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Elon Musk Isn’t Copying Trump — Trump Is Copying MuskElon Musk went to battle against California authorities over whether he was allowed to reopen his Tesla plant — and won. On Pivot, karaswisher and profgalloway discuss the dangerous precedent his approach might set
Read more »
Opinion | How Not to Listen to Donald TrumpOpinion: Until the president comes up with actual evidence for his allegations, we’re under no obligation to pay attention
Read more »
Michigan Gov. Whitmer says armed anti-lockdown protesters are having a political rally for TrumpMichigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called Thursday's anti-lockdown protests an 'organized political statement.'
Read more »
Trump Presented U.S. Space Force Flag, Promises ‘Super Duper’ MissileThe new Armed Forces branch is only the second created since 1790.
Read more »
Trump downplays the need for coronavirus vaccine: 'It'll go away at some point'President Trump said the U.S. will overcome the coronavirus crisis with or without an effective vaccine, saying that the disease will “go away at some point.' - CNBC
Read more »
Symbolism behind Space Force flag revealed as Trump touts 'super duper missile'President Trump touted the strength of a planned 'super duper missile' and American supremacy in space as he was presented with the official flag of the Space Force.
Read more »