WHO Expresses Regret Over United States Decision to Withdraw from Organisation

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep regret over the notification received from the United States of America regarding its decision to withdraw from the global health body, stating that such a move renders both America and the international community less secure.In a comprehensive statement issued on Friday, the WHO highlighted the significant contributions the United States has made as a founding member of the organisation, including pivotal roles in the eradication of smallpox and substantial progress against numerous public health threats such as polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety.The notification of withdrawal, according to the WHO, raises critical issues that will be examined by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting commencing on 2 February, as well as by the World Health Assembly during its annual gathering in May 2026.The organisation acknowledged statements from the US government alleging that the WHO had "trashed and tarnished" American interests and compromised its independence. However, the WHO firmly rejected these claims, emphasising that it has consistently engaged with the United States in good faith and with full respect for its sovereignty.Addressing specific accusations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response, the WHO defended its actions throughout the unprecedented global health crisis. The organisation noted that whilst no government or international body achieved perfection during the pandemic, the WHO acted swiftly, disseminated all available information rapidly and transparently, and provided Member States with recommendations based on the best available evidence.The WHO clarified that whilst it recommended masks, vaccines, and physical distancing as protective measures, it never mandated mask-wearing, compulsory vaccination, or lockdowns at any stage. Rather, the organisation supported sovereign governments in making decisions they deemed appropriate for their populations.Tracing the timeline of its pandemic response, the WHO revealed that immediately upon receiving initial reports of a cluster of cases of "pneumonia of unknown cause" in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019, the organisation requested further information from Chinese authorities and activated its emergency incident management system.By the time China reported its first death on 11 January 2020, the WHO had already alerted the global community through formal channels, public statements, and social media, convened international experts, and published comprehensive guidance for countries on protecting their populations and health systems.When the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations on 30 January 2020—the highest level of alarm under international health law—there were fewer than 100 reported cases outside China, with no reported deaths internationally.Throughout the initial weeks and months of the pandemic, the Director-General repeatedly urged all nations to take immediate action to safeguard their populations, cautioning that "the window of opportunity is closing," describing the crisis as "not a drill," and characterising COVID-19 as "public enemy number one."In response to multiple independent reviews of the pandemic, including assessments of the WHO's performance, the organisation has implemented measures to strengthen its operations and support countries in enhancing their pandemic preparedness and response capabilities.The WHO emphasised that the systems developed and maintained before, during, and after the emergency phase of the pandemic—which operate continuously—have contributed to keeping all nations safe, including the United States.Regarding allegations that the WHO has pursued a "politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests," the organisation categorically denied these claims as untrue. As a specialised agency of the United Nations, governed by 194 Member States, the WHO maintains that it has always been and remains impartial, existing to serve all countries with respect for their sovereignty and without fear or favour.The organisation expressed appreciation for the continued support and engagement of all its Member States, which continue collaborating within the WHO framework to address the world's most pressing health threats, encompassing both communicable and noncommunicable diseases.Notably, WHO Member States last year adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which upon ratification will become a landmark instrument of international law designed to enhance global protection against future pandemics. Member States are currently negotiating an annex to this agreement—the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system—which, if adopted, will facilitate rapid detection and sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential and ensure equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.The WHO stated that it hopes the United States will eventually return to active participation in the organisation. In the meantime, the organisation remains steadfastly committed to collaborating with all countries in pursuit of its core mission and constitutional mandate: achieving the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people globally.