The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep regret over the United States’ decision to withdraw from the global health body, warning that the move puts both America and the rest of the world at greater risk.
In a strongly worded statement, WHO reminded the US of its long-standing role as a founding member of the organization and its contributions to major public health victories, including the eradication of smallpox and significant progress against polio, HIV, Ebola, malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.
“WHO therefore regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal from WHO – a decision that makes both the United States and the world less safe,” the organization said.
The UN health agency disclosed that the notification will be reviewed by its Executive Board at a meeting beginning with further consideration scheduled for the World Health Assembly this year.
WHO also pushed back against claims by the US government that it had “trashed and tarnished” America’s reputation and compromised its independence.
“The reverse is true,” WHO stated. “As we do with every Member State, WHO has always sought to engage with the United States in good faith, with full respect for its sovereignty.”
Addressing US accusations of failures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including alleged delays in sharing critical information, WHO defended its actions, insisting it acted swiftly and transparently throughout the crisis.
“While no organization or government got everything right, WHO stands by its response to this unprecedented global health crisis,” the statement read.
The agency explained that it immediately sought information from China after reports of a mysterious pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan and activated its emergency response systems.When China recorded its first COVID-19 death — WHO said it had already alerted the world and issued comprehensive guidance to countries.
When WHO declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, fewer than 100 cases had been reported outside China, with no deaths at the time.
During the early stages of the pandemic, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus repeatedly urged governments to act fast, warning that “the window of opportunity is closing,” describing COVID-19 as “public enemy number one,” and stressing that “this is not a drill.”
WHO also clarified that while it recommended masks, vaccines and physical distancing, it never mandated lockdowns or compulsory vaccinations.
“We supported sovereign governments to make decisions they believed were in the best interests of their people, but the decisions were theirs,” the organization said.
The UN agency further dismissed US allegations that it operates a politicized agenda driven by countries hostile to American interests.
“This is untrue,” WHO said, emphasizing that it remains impartial and accountable to its 194 Member States.
In the aftermath of COVID-19, WHO noted it has strengthened its systems and supported countries to improve pandemic preparedness.
It also highlighted the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement last year, describing it as a landmark step toward preventing future global health emergencies.
“We hope that in the future, the United States will return to active participation in WHO,” the organization added. “Meanwhile, WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all countries in pursuit of its core mission — the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.”
