Rohit Shishodia

The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed four new goodwill ambassadors from the fields of sports, politics and community mobilization to promote healthier lives, stronger health workforces and improved mental health globally.

The announcements were made by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DG, WHO, in his speech to open the 72nd World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The WHO has appointed Alisson Becker, goalkeeper of the Brazilian national and Liverpool football teams, and Dr Natália Loewe Becker, medical doctor and health advocate from Brazil, for health promotion.

The other individuals who have been appointed goodwill ambassadors include Cynthia Germanotta, President of Born This Way Foundation, which she co-founded with her daughter Lady Gaga, as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for mental health.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, has been appointed as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Health Workforce.