World Health Organization Responds to US Withdrawal Notification

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the US decision to withdraw from the agency weakens global health security, as the organization defended its record and rejected claims that it acted improperly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the WHO, the United States, a founding member since 1948, has historically shaped the WHO’s policies and governance. Over more than seven decades, collaborative efforts between the United States and the WHO led to health milestones, including the eradication of smallpox and the near-eradication of polio. 

However, the US President Donald Trump marked the start of his administration by announcing the country’s withdrawal from the WHO on Jan. 20, 2025, immediately after his inauguration. That month, the WHO also expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing its continued commitment to global health cooperation.

Nonetheless, the United States has taken formal steps to withdraw from the WHO, reversing its previous reengagement with the UN health agency and setting in motion a broad reconfiguration of its global health and biosecurity strategy, reports MBN.  An executive order signed at the White House revokes the 2021 presidential letter that rescinded the original 2020 withdrawal notice and formally reactivates the US intention to exit the WHO. 

“​​We hope the United States will return to active participation in WHO in the future. Meanwhile, WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all countries in pursuit of its core mission and constitutional mandate: the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people,” says Tedros Adhanom, Director General, WHO.

The administration cites dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns over governance reforms, and what it describes as disproportionate financial obligations placed on the United States compared with other member states.

Operationally, the US Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget have been instructed to pause future transfers of government funds, support, or resources to the WHO. They are also tasked with recalling and reassigning US personnel and contractors working with the organization. In parallel, US authorities are to identify domestic and international partners capable of assuming activities previously carried out by the WHO with US involvement.

The withdrawal also affects international negotiations. While the process is underway, the United States will cease participation in talks related to the WHO Pandemic Agreement and proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations. Any actions taken to advance those instruments will not be considered binding on the United States.

In addition, the Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy is instructed to review and replace the 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, signaling a forthcoming revision of the country’s approach to international health risks. The Secretary of State is required to immediately notify the UN Secretary General and the WHO leadership of the decision. The order specifies that implementation will be subject to applicable law and available appropriations and does not create enforceable rights or obligations for third parties.

WHO confirmed it received formal notification from the US government and said the matter will be reviewed by its Executive Board at its meeting beginning Feb. 2, followed by consideration at the World Health Assembly in May 2026. The agency says it regrets the decision, describing the United States as a founding member that has contributed to major public health milestones.

Responding to US statements that WHO had “trashed and tarnished” the country and compromised its independence, the agency says it has consistently engaged with the United States in good faith and with respect for national sovereignty. It also rejects assertions that it pursued a politicized agenda influenced by countries hostile to US interests, stating that, as a United Nations specialized agency governed by 194 Member States, it operates impartially and serves all countries without favor.

“The reasons cited for the US decision to withdraw from WHO are untrue. The notification of withdrawal makes both the United States and the world less safe,” says Adhanom.

US officials cited WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis as a reason for withdrawal, including allegations that the organization obstructed the timely sharing of information and concealed failures. WHO says no government or institution managed every aspect of the pandemic perfectly but stood by its response. It said it shared available information rapidly and transparently, issued guidance based on the best available evidence, and advised on measures such as mask use, vaccination and physical distancing. WHO says it did not recommend mandates or lockdowns and emphasized that decisions on such policies were made by sovereign governments.

According to WHO, after receiving reports on Dec. 31, 2019, of pneumonia cases of unknown cause in Wuhan, China, it requested further information and activated its emergency incident management system. By Jan. 11, 2020, when the first death was reported, WHO said it had already alerted countries through formal channels, public statements and social media, convened experts and issued technical guidance. On Jan. 30, 2020, the organization declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern, the highest alert under international health law, at a time when fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported outside China.

During the early stages of the pandemic, WHO leadership repeatedly urged governments to act quickly, warning that the window to contain spread was narrowing. Following multiple reviews of its performance and the broader global response, WHO says it has strengthened its internal systems and supported countries in improving preparedness and response capacities. It says surveillance and emergency systems it operates continuously contribute to global health security, including for the United States.

The agency also pointed to ongoing multilateral efforts, noting that Member States adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement last year. Once ratified, the agreement is expected to become an international legal instrument aimed at improving preparedness and response to future pandemics. Countries are now negotiating a related Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system designed to support rapid pathogen detection and sharing, as well as equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

WHO says it remains committed to working with all countries under its constitutional mandate to pursue the highest attainable standard of health, and expressed hope that the United States will return to active participation in the future.