The World Health Organization has formally expressed regret following the notification of withdrawal by the United States of America, warning that the decision weakens global and national health security at a time of persistent and emerging public health threats.
In a detailed statement, WHO recalled the United States’ role as a founding member and a key contributor to many of its major achievements. These include the eradication of smallpox and sustained progress against polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food safety risks. WHO noted that the withdrawal decision makes both the United States and the wider world less safe.
The notification of withdrawal will now be reviewed by WHO’s Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on 2 February, and by the World Health Assembly at its annual session in May 2026. These deliberations will examine the legal, operational and governance implications of the decision.
WHO also responded directly to statements from the United States government alleging that the organisation had insulted the country, compromised its independence, and acted in a politicised manner. WHO rejected these claims, stating that it has consistently engaged with the United States, as with all Member States, in good faith and with full respect for national sovereignty.
Addressing criticism related to the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO said it stands by its actions during what it described as an unprecedented global health crisis. While acknowledging that no institution or government managed every aspect perfectly, WHO stressed that it acted quickly and transparently, shared all available information, and issued guidance based on the best scientific evidence at the time. The organisation clarified that it never recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns, but rather supported governments to take sovereign decisions they believed served their populations best.
WHO outlined its early response to the outbreak, noting that it sought further information from China and activated its emergency incident management system immediately after reports of pneumonia of unknown cause emerged in Wuhan on 31 December 2019. By the time the first death was reported on 11 January 2020, WHO had already alerted the global community, convened experts and published guidance for countries. When COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, there were fewer than 100 reported cases outside China and no reported deaths.
During the early months of the pandemic, the WHO Director-General repeatedly urged countries to act swiftly, warning that the window for containment was closing and describing the virus as a global threat requiring urgent action. Following multiple independent reviews of the pandemic response, WHO said it has strengthened its own systems and supported countries to improve preparedness and response capacities. These systems, which operate continuously, were described as contributing to global health security, including for the United States.
WHO also dismissed claims that it had pursued an agenda driven by states hostile to American interests. As a United Nations specialised agency governed by 194 Member States, WHO said it remains impartial and focused on serving all countries without fear or favour.
The organisation reaffirmed its appreciation for continued engagement from Member States and highlighted the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which once ratified will become a binding international legal instrument aimed at preventing and responding to future pandemics. Ongoing negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system are intended to improve rapid detection and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
WHO concluded by expressing hope that the United States will return to active participation in the future. Until then, it reaffirmed its commitment to its constitutional mandate to achieve the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.
For the African continent, where health systems are still evolving and pandemic shocks are felt more sharply, the strength of global cooperation remains vital. The continent’s young nations continue to navigate fragile health infrastructures, climate pressures and disease outbreaks. A strong, inclusive WHO matters not only for crisis response but for long-term resilience. In a world where health threats cross borders effortlessly, Africa’s future security is inseparable from the integrity of global public health institutions.
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