The World Health Organization says it regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal, warning that the decision could leave both the country and the rest of the world less safe. The issue is scheduled for consideration by the WHO Executive Board at its meeting beginning 2 February and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.
In a statement, WHO noted the United States’ role as a founding member and its contributions to public health efforts, including smallpox eradication and work on polio, HIV, Ebola, tuberculosis and other health threats. The organization said it had engaged with the United States in good faith and with respect for its sovereignty, rejecting US claims that it had compromised its independence or acted against American interests.
The United States cited WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic among its reasons for leaving, alleging that the organization obstructed the sharing of information and concealed failures. WHO said it stood by its response, stating that it shared available information, advised governments based on the best evidence and recommended measures such as masks, vaccines and physical distancing. It said it did not recommend mandates for masks or vaccines, or lockdowns, and that decisions were made by national governments.
WHO said it sought further information from China and activated its emergency management system after receiving reports of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan on 31 December 2019. It added that by the time China reported its first death on 11 January 2020, the organization had alerted the world, convened experts and issued guidance. When WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January, it said fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported outside China.
The organization also said it had acted on reviews of the pandemic by strengthening its own work and helping countries improve their preparedness and response. It maintained that its systems continue to support the safety of all countries, including the United States.
WHO said it hopes the United States will return to active participation. It also pointed to ongoing cooperation among member states, including negotiations on a system for sharing pathogens and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, treatments and diagnostics under the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
Sources: WHO News.