Zimbabwe's President Robert Gabriel Mugabe addressing the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York on September 21, 2017. Photo: AP 

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The head of the UN health agency has revoked his appointment of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe as a "goodwill ambassador" after the choice drew widespread outrage and criticism.

World Health Organization (WHO) 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. Mugabe was present at the announcement.

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

He said he revoked Mugabe's position in the best interests of the WHO. 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.