Michael R. Bloomberg reappointed as WHO Global Ambassador for NCDs

During his second term as Global Ambassador, Michael R. Bloomberg will continue to support global, national, and local efforts to protect people from NCDs and injuries.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, has renewed the appointment of Michael R. Bloomberg as WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and Injuries, as world leaders meet at the United Nations in New York to agree on steps to better address NCDs, the world's biggest killers.

"I am delighted that Mike Bloomberg has agreed to continue in his role as WHO Global Ambassador," said Dr. Tedros. "He has had a tremendous impact in that role over the past two years. I want to particularly thank him for launching the Partnership for Healthy Cities - so far 50 cities have signed up to the network, committing to protecting their populations from NCDs."

During his second term as Global Ambassador, Michael R. Bloomberg will continue to support global, national, and local efforts to protect people from NCDs and injuries. Many of the work streams from the first appointment will continue, including building the Partnership for Healthy Cities and promoting investment in NCD and injury prevention.

"Noncommunicable diseases are an urgent problem affecting more and more people, but we have the power to change that," said Michael R. Bloomberg. "Cities and countries are starting to make encouraging progress, and the faster we act, the more lives will be saved. I'm looking forward to working with Dr. Tedros and the WHO for another two years."

Mr. Bloomberg served as the 108th Mayor of the City of New York, from 2002 to 2013. He launched his foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, in 2006. Saving lives from the deadly effects of tobacco use was one of the first priorities. Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed nearly $1 billion since 2007 to combat tobacco use worldwide. Most recently at the 17th World Conference on Tobacco or Health in March 2018, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced the global tobacco industry watchdog STOP – Stopping Tobacco Organizations and Products – which will aggressively monitor deceptive practices to undermine public health.