WHO Expresses Regret Over U.S. Decision to Withdraw, Defends Pandemic Response
WHO Expresses Regret Over U.S. Decision to Withdraw, Defends Pandemic Response
The organization pushed back against U.S. government statements accusing WHO of having “trashed and tarnished” the country and compromised its independence.
LILONGWE / GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over the United States’ decision to withdraw from the global health body, warning that the move will make both the U.S. and the world less safe, while strongly rejecting claims that the agency mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic or compromised its independence, writes Winston Mwale.
In a statement, WHO said the United States, a founding member of the organization, has played a central role in many of its landmark achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress against major public health threats such as polio, HIV, Ebola, malaria, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases.
“WHO therefore regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal,” the organization said, adding that the matter will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its meeting starting February 2 and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.
The organization pushed back against U.S. government statements accusing WHO of having “trashed and tarnished” the country and compromised its independence, saying it has always engaged with Washington “in good faith” and with full respect for U.S. sovereignty.
Responding to U.S. allegations that WHO failed during the COVID-19 pandemic by obstructing the sharing of critical information and concealing mistakes, the agency said it stood by its actions during what it described as an unprecedented global health crisis.
“While no organization or government got everything right, WHO acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently, and advised Member States based on the best available evidence,” the statement said.
WHO noted that it never recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns, but instead offered guidance while leaving final decisions to sovereign governments.
The organization detailed its early response to COVID-19, saying it requested information from China and activated its emergency systems on December 31, 2019, after reports of pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan.
By January 11, 2020, when China reported its first death, WHO said it had already alerted the world, convened experts and issued guidance to countries.
When the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported outside China, the agency said.
In the weeks that followed, WHO leadership repeatedly urged governments to act quickly, warning that the “window of opportunity is closing.”
WHO also rejected claims that it pursues a politicized agenda driven by countries hostile to U.S. interests, saying it remains impartial and accountable to its 194 Member States.
As part of reforms following reviews of the pandemic response, WHO said it has strengthened its systems and supported countries to improve preparedness and response capacities.
It added that these systems continue to operate around the clock and contribute to global health security, including for the United States.
The organization highlighted recent progress by its Member States, including the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement last year, which aims to improve global readiness for future pandemics.
Negotiations are ongoing on an annex covering pathogen access and benefit sharing to promote rapid detection and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
WHO said it hopes the United States will eventually return to active participation, reaffirming its commitment to its core mission of promoting “the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.”
