China Global TV Network (CGTN) has listed director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah as one of the world’s top three doctors among public health officials managing the Covid-19 outbreak, alongside the US’ Dr Anthony Fauci and New Zealand’s Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
On its website yesterday, CGTN said Noor Hisham, 65 was selected because of his straightforward and calm approach to the health crisis in Malaysia.
CGTN said just a few months ago the three men were little known but they were now the most “trustworthy” sources of information on the pandemic in their respective countries.
“Every time I see health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, I feel reassured. The man has been a tower of strength for many Malaysians,” CGTN quoted a Malaysian journalist as saying.
The journalist added that the doctor was a “trusted face” and “a bulwark against confusion”.
Fauci, 79, is director at the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases while Bloomfield, 54, is the New Zealand director-general of health.
Health Minister Dr Adham Baba congratulated Noor Hisham on achieving recognition for his work.
“A great appreciation and honour for the country’s medical sector when our health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is recognised by China Global Television Network as among the world’s best three doctors in handling the Covid-19 situation,” Adham said on Facebook.