After days of scathing criticism around the globe for naming Zimbabwe’s leader, Robert Mugabe, a “good-will ambassador” for health, the leader of the World Health Organization said on Sunday that he had rescinded the title.

In a statement, the W.H.O.’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said he had “reflected” on the appointment.

“I have listened carefully to all who have expressed their concerns, and heard the different issues that they have raised,” he said. “I have also consulted with the government of Zimbabwe and we have concluded that this decision is in the best interests of the World Health Organization.”

On Wednesday, at a global conference in Uruguay on noncommunicable diseases, Dr. Tedros, an Ethiopian and the first African to lead the United Nations’ health agency, said he was “honored” to be joined by Mr. Mugabe, 93, and appoint him an ambassador.