世界衛生組織（WHO）秘書長譚德塞（Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus）8日召開記者會時，點名台灣針對他非裔身分進行人身攻擊，甚至是死亡威脅。言論一出引起譁然，台灣外交部嚴正表達抗議，要求譚德塞應立即更正其毫無依據的指控，立即澄清，並向台灣道歉。

不過，譚德塞的言論引起不少非洲國家領導人在推特（Twitter）上聲援，感謝WHO在疫情期間作出大量工作。譚德塞也在之後不斷轉發支持他的貼文，以及抒發自己的心情。

It was also encouraging to hear from countries who are focused both on ending the #COVID19 pandemic & on thinking ahead to ensure this never happens again. We need to break the cycle of panic & neglect to strengthen national preparedness, based on the foundation of #HealthForAll.

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 9, 2020

自從新型冠狀病毒肺炎（COVID-19，下文稱武漢肺炎）爆發以來，WHO的作為不斷遭受抨擊，譚德塞一面倒挺中國，稱讚中國防疫措施優秀的言論，也讓國際上開始出現要求他下台的聲音。美國總統川普（Donald Trump）7日更直批WHO「以中國為中心」。

他在8日記者會上提出的種族歧視指控挑起最敏感神經，非洲聯盟委員會主席馬哈馬特（Moussa Faki Mahamat）在推特上表示，相當驚訝美國政府反對WHO，非洲聯盟全力支持WHO和譚德塞，重點應放在全球團結對抗武漢肺炎。

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

不少非洲國家領導人跟著轉貼馬哈馬特的推文，包含盧安達總統卡加米（Paul Kagame）、納米比亞總統甘戈柏（Hage Geingob）、南非總統拉瑪佛沙（Cyril Ramaphosa）、奈及利亞總統布哈里（Muhammadu Buhari）。

中國外交部發言人華春瑩同樣在推特上力挺WHO和譚德塞，反對針對譚德塞的任何人身攻擊與種族歧視行為。

As UN spokesman said, it's clear that WHO, under Dr Tedros' leadership, has done tremendous work on COVID. WHO is showing the strength of the intl health system. We need solidarity and cooperation than ever to win the fight!

— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) April 8, 2020

China opposes any attempt to use the epidemic for purpose of politicization or stigmatization. We strongly condemn the personal attacks and racist words and deeds against @WHO DG Tedros.https://t.co/D4fbzqdbdk pic.twitter.com/uxiLgjfAyU

— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) April 9, 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