The director general of the World Health Organisation has said that he has received death threats following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he has for months been abused racially and called names like ”black or negro”.

His comments follow emerging campaign by American politicians for him to be removed from office for allegedly covering up for China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Ghebreyesus told journalists that “”I can tell you personal attacks that have been going on for more than 2-3 months. Abuses or racist comments, giving me names…even death threats. I don’t give a damn.”

"When it’s personal, even death threats, I didn’t care. When as community, people start to insult us, that’s enough.”

The WHO’s Tedros Ghebreyesus says he has faced months of racist comments and death threats, but he only spoke out when the “whole black community was insulted”. pic.twitter.com/CyYYvbZ7yZ

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) April 8, 2020

US campaign

On Wednesday the African Union said that it was “surprised” by moves by the United States to get rid of Ghebreyesus who is an African.

Ghebreyesusis who is from Ethiopia is facing calls to resign over criticisms that China’s response to the coronavirus was full of deception.

US politicians have been at the fore front of the campaign to push the WHO director out for trusting the communist regime’s official reporting about the extent of the spread of the disease.

China has been accused in recent weeks of significantly downplaying its official virus cases, with some estimates suggesting their death toll could be as high as 40,000.

The Republican Senator, Marth McSally told Fox News that “Dr Tedros deceived the world. At one point, he even praised China’s ‘transparency during its coronavirus response efforts despite a mountain of evidence showing the regime concealed the severity of the outbreak. This deception cost lives.”

Another Republican Senator, Ted Cruz, also joined calls for the WHO to consider removing its boss Tedros.

His spokesman told The Washington Free Beacon that “Sen. Cruz believes that the WHO has lost the credibility necessary for it to be effective, and a reevaluation of its leadership is urgently called for.”

Africa comes to Tedros defence

But many African leaders have come to the defence of Tedros, warning the US against such a campaign at this time of a global crisis.

Surprised to learn of a campaign by the US govt against @WHO’s global leadership. The @_AfricanUnion fully supports @WHO and @DrTedros. The focus should remain on collectively fighting #Covid19 as a united global community. The time for accountability will come.

— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) April 8, 2020

I agree with you, my brother. @WHO, under the stewardship of @DrTedros, has shown itself to be a true flag-bearer of multilaterarism when global solidarity has become critical. Let’s hold hands in this crucial moment and focus on what matters, saving lives. https://t.co/YN34D8lZey

— Hage G. Geingob (@hagegeingob) April 8, 2020

Totally Agree ,and asking this; Is it Dr.Tedros,WHO,China...under attack or all of them together? Let's focus on the fight against this pandemic,whoever sh'd be held acc'ntable will come later and done properly. Save us too much politics Africa does not need it. Who does? https://t.co/pNeKIRZGE1

— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) April 8, 2020

The most potent weapon against #COVID19 and its devastating health, social & economic impact is international cooperation & solidarity, which is why the exceptional leadership displayed daily by @WHO & @DrTedros during an unprecedented global public health crisis is incalculable https://t.co/fbN5v4tnqd

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 8, 2020

Our global priority is to save lives.@WHO under @DrTedros effective leadership,are delivering on their mandate at a time we need them most. Let’s give them the space. @covid19 is killing many. We must support & protect the most vulnerable. Now is not the time for blame game.

— Sahle-Work Zewde (@SahleWorkZewde) April 8, 2020

Dr. Tedros has said on Wednesday that it is dangerous to play politics with the lives of people especially during a crisis moment like this.

He said “No time to waste. Let’s focus on saving lives. Collaboration across party lines important to ensure national unity to fight the virus more effectively.

National unity is a foundation for global solidarity. When we do this, we quarantine political covid. Stop politicising.”