The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally expressed its deep regret following the United States’ notification of its intent to withdraw from the international body. As a founding member of the organization, the United States has historically played a pivotal role in shaping global public health, contributing significantly to monumental achievements that have defined the modern era. From the historic eradication of smallpox to ongoing, multi-generational efforts to combat polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, and malaria, the U.S. has been a cornerstone of international cooperation. Its contributions have also been instrumental in addressing neglected tropical diseases, improving food safety standards, and tackling the escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance.
The WHO leadership emphasized that the U.S. decision to initiate a withdrawal process creates a concerning precedent, asserting that such a move leaves both the United States and the global community less secure. The notification of withdrawal has triggered a formal administrative process, with the issues raised by the United States slated for careful consideration by the WHO Executive Board during its regular meeting scheduled to begin on February 2. Subsequently, the matter is expected to be addressed by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026. This timeline allows for a period of deliberation regarding the implications of the departure and the future of the relationship between the organization and its most prominent historical benefactor.
The move to withdraw follows a series of pointed criticisms from the U.S. government, which has alleged that the WHO has "trashed and tarnished" the American reputation, insulted the nation, and compromised the organization’s own independence. The WHO has categorically rejected these characterizations. In a detailed response, the organization maintained that the reverse is true, asserting that it has consistently sought to engage with the United States in good faith, always operating with full respect for American sovereignty, just as it does with all 194 of its Member States. The WHO insists that its mission remains rooted in impartiality and that it has functioned as a professional, evidence-based partner throughout its history.
Central to the United States’ decision to exit the organization are allegations regarding "WHO failures during the COVID-19 pandemic." Specifically, the U.S. government has accused the organization of "obstructing the timely and accurate sharing of critical information" and attempting to conceal those alleged failures. While the WHO acknowledges that no organization, government, or agency navigated the unprecedented chaos of the pandemic without error, it stands firmly by its record of response to the global health crisis. The organization maintains that throughout the duration of the pandemic, it acted with urgency, sharing all available information as rapidly and transparently as possible.
The WHO further clarified its stance on public health interventions during the crisis, noting that it consistently provided guidance based on the best available scientific evidence. While the organization recommended the use of masks, vaccines, and physical distancing as effective measures to slow the spread of the virus, it emphasized that it never at any stage recommended or enforced mask mandates, vaccine mandates, or universal lockdowns. The WHO reiterated that its role was to support sovereign governments in making decisions they believed were in the best interests of their specific populations; however, the actual implementation of such policies remained the exclusive responsibility of those individual nations.
Looking back at the timeline of the initial outbreak, the WHO provided a detailed account of its actions following the first reports of a "pneumonia of unknown cause" in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019. Upon receiving the initial notification, the organization immediately requested further information from Chinese authorities and activated its emergency incident management system. By January 11, 2020, when the first death was officially reported by China, the WHO had already alerted the global community through formal channels, public statements, and social media. It had convened global experts and published comprehensive guidance to assist countries in protecting their citizens and fortifying their health systems.
When the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020—the highest level of alarm under the International Health Regulations—there were fewer than 100 reported cases of the virus outside of China, and zero reported deaths. During those crucial initial weeks and months, the Director-General repeatedly urged countries to take immediate, decisive action, issuing stark warnings that "the window of opportunity is closing," declaring that "this is not a drill," and framing the virus as "public enemy number one."
In the years since the acute phase of the pandemic, the WHO has been subject to multiple independent reviews of its performance. In response to these assessments, the organization has implemented significant internal reforms to strengthen its operational capacity and has bolstered its efforts to help individual countries improve their own pandemic preparedness and response systems. The logistical and advisory systems managed by the WHO, which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, continue to serve as a vital safety net for all countries, including the United States.
Regarding U.S. claims that the WHO has "pursued a politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests," the organization remains adamant that these assertions are untrue. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the WHO is governed collectively by its 194 Member States. It maintains that it has always been, and continues to be, an impartial entity that serves all countries with equal dedication, respecting national sovereignty and operating without fear or favor.
The organization expressed its appreciation for the continued engagement of the majority of its Member States, who remain committed to working within the WHO framework to solve the world’s most pressing health threats. A significant milestone in this collective effort was the recent adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Once ratified, this landmark instrument of international law is designed to make the world substantially safer from future pandemics. Currently, Member States are engaged in complex, ongoing negotiations regarding an annex to this agreement: the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. If successfully adopted, this system will promote the rapid detection and sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential, while simultaneously ensuring equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for all nations.
The WHO concluded its statement by expressing hope that the United States might eventually return to active participation in the organization. Until that time, the WHO remains steadfastly committed to its core mission and constitutional mandate: the attainment of the highest possible standard of health as a fundamental human right for all people, regardless of their nationality or political standing. The organization continues to move forward, focusing on the pursuit of solutions to both communicable and noncommunicable health threats, maintaining its focus on global solidarity in the face of future public health challenges.
