WHO regrets US withdrawal, says decision makes world less safe

Iheoma Ihedigbo, Health Editor

World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep regret over the notification by the United States of America to withdraw from the global health body, warning that the decision would make both the United States and the world less safe.

In a statement issued on Friday, January 24, 2026, WHO said the notification of withdrawal raises important legal and procedural issues that would be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its meeting beginning on February 2 and later by the World Health Assembly in May 2026.

Describing the United States as a founding member and a major contributor to the organization’s achievements, WHO recalled America’s role in the eradication of smallpox and progress against several public health threats including polio, HIV, Ebola, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical 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 stated.

The UN health agency rejected claims by the US government that it had “trashed and tarnished” America and compromised its independence, insisting it had always engaged the United States in good faith and with full respect for its sovereignty.

Responding to allegations that WHO failed during the COVID-19 pandemic by obstructing information sharing and concealing errors, the organization defended its record, stressing that it acted quickly, transparently and based its advice on the best available scientific evidence.

“Throughout the pandemic, WHO shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world,” the statement said, adding that the agency recommended masks, vaccines and physical distancing but never imposed mandates or lockdowns, leaving decisions to sovereign governments.

WHO recalled that it activated its emergency incident management system immediately after reports of a mysterious pneumonia outbreak emerged in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019.

By January 11, 2020, when the first death was reported, the agency had already alerted countries, convened global experts and issued guidance to protect populations and health systems.

The organization also noted that when COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported outside China.

During the early stages of the pandemic, WHO said its Director-General repeatedly urged countries to act swiftly, warning that “the window of opportunity is closing” and describing COVID-19 as “public enemy number one.”

Following several reviews of the pandemic response, WHO said it had strengthened its systems and helped countries improve preparedness, stressing that these mechanisms continue to protect all nations, including the United States.

The agency further dismissed claims that it pursued a politicized agenda hostile to American interests, describing such assertions as untrue. It reiterated that, as a UN specialized agency governed by 194 Member States, it remains impartial and committed to serving all countries without fear or favour.

WHO praised member states for their continued cooperation, highlighting the adoption last year of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which it described as a landmark international legal instrument to strengthen global preparedness against future pandemics.

Member states are currently negotiating an annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing aimed at promoting rapid detection of dangerous pathogens and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments.

While expressing hope that the United States would eventually return to active participation, WHO reaffirmed its commitment to its core mission of promoting “the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.”