The head of the World Health Organization denies denying the side of the Ethiopian government’s war with the Tigray region, which has spilled over into neighboring Eritrea. In a statement, dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “My heart breaks for my house, Ethiopia.”
When he says’ the world ‘needs peace for health’, he speaks from experience. At the first reports of Ebola in a war zone in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tedros, as he is known, immediately flew into an active conflict from the WTO headquarters in Geneva. With the necessary help from the WTO, which recognizes the courageous work of local doctors and health workers, DRC has now been declared Ebola-free for the first time in three years.
Dr. Roopa Dhatt, Executive Director of Women in Global Health, tweeted: As anyone knows what knows @DrTedros, I’m terrified of the latest attempts to undermine his leadership.
A United Nations spokesman tweeted: From today’s afternoon briefing [19 November]: @antonioguterreshas the greatest respect for @DrTedros– an exemplary international civil servant. He led the guide@WHOby Ebola, # COVID-19 & he has always focused on the need to strengthen global public health.
After the accusation of Ethiopia, Tedros tweeted this statement @ DrTedros:
My heart breaks for my home, Ethiopia, and I call on all parties to work for peace and to ensure the safety of civilians and access to health and humanitarian aid for those in need.
I am deeply saddened by reports of casualties and large numbers of displaced people seeking refuge in neighboring countries. In the midst of a global pandemic, I am further concerned about the impact on health.
As a kid, I used to see the destructive nature of war. I remember the fighting and the terrible toll of people. As an adult, I used the first-hand experience to always work for peace, to bring warring parties together and to start a dialogue to market peace.
History looks favorably on those who manage to reach out, bridge divisions, and move from war to peace. I join the United Nations Secretary – General in calling for ” immediate action to ease tensions and ensure a peaceful solution to the dispute. ‘
There are reports that suggest I take sides in this situation. This is not true and I want to say that I am only on one side and on the side of peace.
The whole world needs peace for health and health for peace.