Geneva — The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed deep regret over the United States’ formal notification of withdrawal from the global health body, warning that the decision poses serious risks to both the U.S. and the rest of the world.
In a statement issued yesterday, WHO described the move as unfortunate, noting that the United States, a founding member of the organisation, has played a pivotal role in some of the world’s most significant public health achievements. These include the eradication of smallpox and major progress in the fight against polio, HIV, Ebola, malaria and tuberculosis.
“WHO regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal, a decision that makes both the United States and the world less safe,” the organisation said.
WHO disclosed that the notification will be reviewed by its Executive Board at a meeting scheduled to begin on February 2, before being presented to the World Health Assembly at its annual session in May 2026.
Responding to allegations by the U.S. government that the organisation had undermined America’s interests and compromised its independence, WHO dismissed the claims as unfounded.
“The reverse is true. As with every Member State, WHO has always engaged the United States in good faith and with full respect for its sovereignty,” the statement said.
Addressing criticisms of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including accusations of delayed information sharing and concealment of failures, WHO defended its response. It acknowledged that no institution or government managed the crisis perfectly but insisted it acted swiftly, transparently and based on the best available scientific evidence.
“Throughout the pandemic, WHO shared information rapidly and transparently and advised Member States according to the best available evidence,” it stated.
The organisation clarified that it never recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns, stressing that such decisions were left to sovereign governments.
Recounting its early actions, WHO said it sought clarification from China immediately after reports of pneumonia cases in Wuhan on December 31, 2019, activated its emergency systems, and by January 11, 2020—when the first death was reported—had already alerted the global community and issued guidance.
“When COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020, there were fewer than 100 cases outside China and no reported deaths,” WHO noted.
The organisation added that it has since strengthened its emergency preparedness and surveillance systems following multiple independent reviews, maintaining round-the-clock monitoring to protect all countries, including the United States.
WHO also rejected claims that it operates under a politicised agenda influenced by nations hostile to U.S. interests.
“As a specialised United Nations agency governed by 194 Member States, WHO remains impartial and exists to serve all countries without fear or favour,” it said.
While appreciating the continued support of its remaining members, WHO highlighted the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement last year as a major step toward preventing future global health crises.
“We hope the United States will return to active participation in WHO,” the organisation added, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring “the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.”
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