The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed regret following the United States’ notification of withdrawal from the global health body, warning that the decision makes both the United States and the world less safe.
The US is a founding member of the WHO and has historically contributed to major global health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress against polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety threats.
The agency stated that its Executive Board will consider this during its regular meeting starting on 2 February, and that the matter will later be considered by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.
“WHO therefore regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal from WHO – a decision that makes both the United States and the world less safe.”
WHO Response to US Criticism and COVID-19 Claims
The organisation took note of statements from the US government accusing it of having “trashed and tarnished” the United States, compromised its independence, and failed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO rejected these claims, stating that it has always engaged with the United States in good faith and with full respect for national sovereignty, as it does with all member states.
Regarding COVID-19, the agency said it stands by its response to what it described as an unprecedented global health crisis.
It acknowledged that no organisation or government got everything right, but maintained that it acted quickly and transparently throughout the pandemic.
“Throughout the pandemic, WHO acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States based on the best available evidence.”
WHO clarified that while it recommended measures such as masks, vaccines, and physical distancing, it did not recommend mask mandates, vaccine mandates, or lockdowns.
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It emphasised that decisions on public health measures were made by sovereign governments.
Early Alerts and Emergency Actions
WHO detailed its early response after receiving reports of a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019.
The organisation said it immediately requested more information from China and activated its emergency incident management system.
By the time the first COVID-19 death was reported on 11 January 2020, the WHO said it had already alerted the world through formal channels, public statements, and social media, convened global experts, and published guidance for countries on protecting populations and health systems.
On 30 January 2020, the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern, the highest level of alarm under international health law.
“When the emergency was declared, outside of China, there were fewer than 100 reported cases, and no reported deaths.”
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In the early months of the pandemic, the Director-General repeatedly urged countries to act, warning that “the window of opportunity is closing,” stating “this is not a drill,” and describing COVID-19 as “public enemy number one.”
Impartiality, Reforms, and Future Engagement
WHO also rejected claims that it pursued a politicised agenda driven by nations hostile to US interests, stating that as a specialised United Nations agency governed by 194 member states, it remains impartial and exists to serve all countries without fear or favour.
The organisation said it has taken steps to strengthen its work following multiple reviews of the COVID-19 response and to support countries in improving pandemic preparedness and response capacities.
It noted that systems developed before, during, and after the pandemic operate continuously and contribute to global health security, including in the United States.
Additionally, it highlighted continued engagement by its member states, including the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which is expected to become a landmark international legal instrument once ratified.
Negotiations are ongoing on an annex to promote rapid sharing of pathogens and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
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