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WHO Expresses Regret Over US Withdrawal,Defends Pandemic response
The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced its regret over the United States’ decision to withdraw from the organization,asserting that the move will diminish global health security.
As a founding member, the United States has historically been a key contributor to the WHO’s successes, including the eradication of smallpox and advancements in combating diseases like polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, and antimicrobial resistance. the WHO’s statement, released today, frames the US withdrawal as a setback for both nations and the broader international community. The matter will be formally addressed by the WHO Executive Board, beginning February 2nd, and the World Health Assembly in May 2026.
The WHO addressed specific criticisms leveled by the US government, including accusations of being “trashed and tarnished” and having its independence compromised.A senior official stated, “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.”
Central to the US decision, according to its public statements, were alleged “WHO failures during the COVID-19 pandemic,” specifically claims of obstructing details sharing and concealing failures. The WHO firmly stands by its response to the unprecedented global health crisis, acknowledging that no entity navigated the pandemic perfectly.
“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,” the organization asserted. The WHO emphasized that its recommendations focused on promoting the use of masks, vaccines, and physical distancing, but it never mandated these measures, leaving implementation decisions to individual governments.
The timeline of the WHO’s initial response to the emerging crisis in Wuhan, China, was detailed.immediately following reports of a cluster of cases of “pneumonia of unknown cause” on December 31, 2019, the WHO requested further information from China and activated its emergency incident management system. By January 11, 2020 – when the first death was reported – the WHO had already alerted the world through multiple channels, convened experts, and published guidance for countries.
On January 30, 2020, the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern, the highest level of alarm under international health law, at a time when there were fewer than 100 reported cases and no deaths outside of China. In the ensuing weeks and months, the Director-General repeatedly urged immediate action from all nations, warning that “the window of opportunity is closing,” and famously stating, “this is not a drill” and describing COVID-19 as “public enemy number one.”
The WHO has undertaken steps to strengthen its work and support pandemic preparedness in response to multiple reviews of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization highlighted the 24/7 systems it developed and managed, which it claims have contributed to the safety of all countries, including the United States.
The US government also alleged that the WHO pursued a “politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests.” The WHO refuted this claim, stating that as a specialized agency of the United Nations, governed by 194 Member States, it remains impartial and serves all countries without bias.
Looking ahead, the WHO celebrated the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement by its Member States last year, which, once ratified, will establish a landmark legal framework for future pandemic preparedness.negotiations are also underway regarding the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system,aimed at promoting rapid pathogen detection and equitable access to medical countermeasures.
The WHO expressed hope for the United States’ eventual return to active participation, reaffirming its commitment to its core mission: achieving the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.
