Claudia Sheinbaum Appoints Former Health Undersecretary Hugo López-Gatell as Mexico's WHO Representative Amid Controversy

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the appointment of Hugo López-Gatell, former Undersecretary of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Mexico's representative to the World Health Organization (WHO). Sheinbaum stated that the designation was made directly by her and does not require Senate approval. López-Gatell, who managed Mexico's pandemic response that resulted in over 300,000 deaths and faced a 2023 judicial investigation for possible omissions, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and committed to working on public health and social welfare at the international level. The appointment has sparked widespread criticism from opposition senators, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), victims' families, and independent commissions, who described the move as a reward for impunity and a disregard for the victims of the pandemic.

The PRI senator Claudia Anaya labeled López-Gatell's pandemic management a disaster and called for legal accountability. The Independent Commission on COVID-19 also condemned the appointment, citing concerns over Mexico's commitment to international health standards. Despite the controversy, Sheinbaum defended López-Gatell's professional record and reaffirmed confidence that he will perform well in his new role in Geneva, where he will represent Mexico in international health policy and oversee compliance with health agreements. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially formalized his designation to the permanent mission in Geneva. The appointment has raised questions about the exact functions López-Gatell will fulfill, given that the head of Mexico's mission to international organizations in Geneva is Ambassador Francisca Méndez. The debate continues amid calls from various sectors for accountability related to the pandemic response and the ongoing scarcity of medications for children with cancer in Mexico.