The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over the United States’ formal notification of withdrawal from the global health body, warning that the decision weakens both U.S. and global health security. The United States, a founding member of WHO, has historically played a major role in landmark achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress against polio, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, Ebola and other public health threats.
WHO said the notification of withdrawal raises legal and procedural issues that will be considered by its Executive Board at a meeting starting on 2 February, and later by the World Health Assembly at its annual session in May 2026.
Responding to statements from the U.S. government accusing WHO of mismanagement and compromised independence, the organisation rejected the claims, stating it has always engaged with the United States in good faith and with respect for national sovereignty. WHO said allegations that it failed during the COVID-19 pandemic by obstructing information sharing or concealing errors are inaccurate.
According to WHO, it acted swiftly and transparently throughout the pandemic, sharing all available information with member states and the public, and providing guidance based on the best available scientific evidence. It clarified that while it recommended measures such as mask use, vaccination and physical distancing, it did not mandate lockdowns, mask mandates or vaccine mandates, leaving such decisions to individual governments.
WHO noted that it sought information from China immediately after reports of pneumonia of unknown cause emerged in Wuhan on 31 December 2019 and activated its emergency response systems. It said it had already alerted the world and issued guidance to countries before the first COVID-19 death was reported on 11 January 2020. When COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, there were fewer than 100 reported cases outside China and no reported deaths.
The organisation said it has since taken steps to strengthen its own systems and support countries in improving pandemic preparedness and response, following multiple global reviews of the COVID-19 response. These systems, it added, continue to operate around the clock to help safeguard global health.
WHO also dismissed claims that it pursues a politicised agenda driven by countries hostile to U.S. interests, emphasising that it is governed by 194 member states and remains impartial in serving all countries without favour.
The organisation highlighted continued cooperation among its members, including the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which is expected to become a key international legal framework for preventing and responding to future pandemics once ratified. Negotiations are also ongoing on a pathogen access and benefit-sharing system aimed at improving early detection and equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments.
WHO concluded by expressing hope that the United States would eventually return to active participation, while reaffirming its commitment to its core mission of promoting the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right.
