New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday said it regretted the US’ decision to withdraw from the global health body, warning that the move would make both the US and the world less safe.
The US, a founding member of WHO, has played a key role in several of the organization’s major public health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress in tackling diseases such as polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety threats.
WHO said the US notification of withdrawal raises procedural and governance issues that will be taken up by the WHO Executive Board at its meeting beginning February 2, and later by the World Health Assembly at its annual session in May 2026.
Responding to statements from the US government accusing the WHO of “trashing and tarnishing” the country and compromising its independence, the organization rejected the claims. The WHO said it has consistently engaged with the US in good faith, as it does with all member states, and with full respect for national sovereignty.
The US has cited WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the reasons for its withdrawal, alleging failures in the timely sharing of information and concealment of mistakes. WHO acknowledged that no government or organization handled every aspect of the pandemic perfectly, but said it stood by its response to what it described as an unprecedented global health crisis.
According to the WHO, it acted swiftly throughout the pandemic, shared information transparently, and issued guidance based on the best available scientific evidence. The organization said it recommended the use of masks, vaccines, and physical distancing but did not call for mask mandates, vaccine mandates, or lockdowns, stressing that such decisions were taken by sovereign governments.
In a lengthy post on X, the WHO also rejected US claims that it had pursued a politicized agenda driven by countries hostile to American interests, stating that it remains an impartial UN agency governed by 194 member states.
