The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over the United States’ notification of its intention to withdraw from the global health body, warning that the move would make both the United States and the wider world less safe.
In a detailed statement, WHO acknowledged the historic role of the United States as a founding member and a major contributor to many of the organization’s landmark achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress in combating polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food safety threats.
WHO said the withdrawal notification would be formally considered by its Executive Board at a meeting beginning on 2 February, and subsequently by the World Health Assembly at its annual session in May 2026.
Responding to claims by the U.S. government that WHO had “trashed and tarnished” the country and compromised its independence, the organization rejected the accusations, insisting it has always engaged the United States in good faith and with full respect for its sovereignty, as it does with all 194 Member States.
The United States cited WHO’s alleged failures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including claims of obstructing timely information sharing and concealing shortcomings. WHO countered that while no institution or government responded perfectly to the unprecedented crisis, it stood firmly by its actions. It said it shared information rapidly and transparently, provided guidance based on the best available evidence, and supported countries to make sovereign decisions in the interests of their populations.
WHO stressed that although it recommended measures such as mask use, vaccination and physical distancing, it never advocated for mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns, noting that such decisions were taken by individual governments.
Recounting its early response, WHO said it sought information from China and activated its emergency systems immediately after reports of a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause emerged in Wuhan on 31 December 2019. By the time China reported the first COVID-19 death on 11 January 2020, WHO said it had already alerted the global community, convened experts and issued comprehensive guidance. When COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, there were fewer than 100 cases and no reported deaths outside China.
WHO added that repeated warnings were issued by its Director-General in the early stages of the outbreak, urging countries to act swiftly and describing the virus as “public enemy number one”.
The organization also dismissed U.S. claims that it pursued a politicized agenda driven by countries hostile to American interests, insisting it remains an impartial United Nations agency serving all nations without fear or favour.
WHO said it has implemented reforms following multiple reviews of the pandemic response and continues to strengthen global preparedness systems that operate around the clock to protect all countries, including the United States.
The organization highlighted continued cooperation among Member States, particularly the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which it described as a landmark international legal instrument aimed at preventing future pandemics. Negotiations are ongoing on an annex covering pathogen access and benefit sharing to ensure rapid detection and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
WHO expressed hope that the United States would eventually resume active participation, reaffirming its commitment to working with all countries to achieve its constitutional mandate of ensuring the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right.
