ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday said it regretted the United States’ notification of withdrawal from the UN health agency, warning that the decision would make both the United States and the world less safe, while firmly rejecting Washington’s criticism of the body’s independence and handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, released following the US notification, WHO said the United States, a founding member, had made significant contributions to many of the organization’s major public health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress against polio, HIV, Ebola, tuberculosis, malaria, and other global health threats.
“The notification of withdrawal raises issues that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on Feb. 2 and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026,” the agency said.
The organization directly addressed US government statements accusing WHO of having "trashed and tarnished" America and compromising its independence, saying "the reverse is true" and that it has always engaged with Washington in good faith while respecting its sovereignty.
Criticism of Covid-19 response
Addressing criticism of its Covid-19 response, including allegations of obstructing information sharing and concealing failures, the WHO said that while no organization or government handled every aspect of the pandemic perfectly, it stood by its actions during an unprecedented global health crisis.
WHO said it acted quickly after receiving the first reports of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, on Dec. 31, 2019, alerting the world and publishing guidance before the first death was reported on Jan. 11, 2020.
When the WHO director-general declared Covid-19 a public health emergency of international concern on Jan. 30, 2020, there were fewer than 100 reported cases outside China and no reported deaths, the statement said.
The agency rejected US claims that it has "pursued a politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests," reiterating that it repeatedly urged countries to take immediate action in the pandemic's early weeks, warning "the window of opportunity is closing” and remained impartial and governed by its 194 member states.
The organization clarified that it recommended masks, vaccines, and physical distancing but never mandated them, supporting sovereign governments in making their own decisions.
WHO highlighted reforms and strengthened systems introduced following multiple reviews of the pandemic response, noting that these measures continue to help protect all countries, including the United States.
The organization said it valued the continued engagement of other member states, noting the adoption last year of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which aims to improve global preparedness and response.
It expressed hope that the United States would eventually return to active participation, reaffirming its commitment to the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all.
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