UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths stepping down for health reasons

UN humanitarian aid coordinator Martin Griffiths speaks in Geneva (Jamey Keaten/AP)

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths is stepping down from his role for health reasons after nearly three years of trying to tackle mounting crises in Ukraine, Gaza and Africa, the United Nations announced.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Mr Griffiths “for his tremendous leadership and service to the United Nations and the humanitarian community in advocating for people affected by crises and mobilising resources to address their needs”, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.