The World Health Organization expressed deep regret over the United States’ notification of its withdrawal from the global health body, warning that the move would make both the U.S. and the world less safe.
In a statement Wednesday, WHO said the United States, a founding member, has played a critical role in many of its major public health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and advances against polio, HIV, Ebola, malaria, tuberculosis, and other global health threats.
“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 organisation said.
WHO said the notification would be reviewed by its executive board at a meeting beginning Feb. 2 and later by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.
Responding to claims by the U.S. government that WHO had “trashed and tarnished” the country and compromised its independence, the organisation called the allegations unfounded.
“The reverse is true. 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,” it said.
On criticisms of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including alleged delays in sharing information and concealing failures, WHO defended its response. The organisation acknowledged that no government or institution handled the crisis perfectly but said it acted swiftly and transparently.
“Throughout the pandemic, WHO acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised member states on the basis of the best available evidence,” it said.
WHO added that it never recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates, or lockdowns, but supported governments in making sovereign decisions in the best interests of their populations.
