The World Health Organization said Saturday that the United States’ notification of withdrawal from the agency will make both the U.S. and the world “less safe,” warning that the move risks weakening global disease detection, response and coordinated public health action.
In a forceful response to Washington’s decision, WHO noted the United States’ long history as a founding member and major partner in global health victories — from the eradication of smallpox to progress against polio, HIV, Ebola and other threats and said it regretted the withdrawal.
The agency said the notification will be considered by the WHO Executive Board when it meets beginning Feb. 2 and by the World Health Assembly in May 2026.
WHO disputed U.S. assertions that the agency had “trashed and tarnished” its reputation or become politicized, saying it has acted in good faith with full respect for member state sovereignty.
The agency defended its COVID19 response, saying it moved quickly after first reports of “pneumonia of unknown cause” on Dec. 31, 2019, activated emergency systems, alerted the world and declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Jan. 30, 2020 — before most countries had recorded cases.
“While no organization or government got everything right, WHO stands by its response to this unprecedented global health crisis,” the statement said, adding that WHO shared information rapidly and advised governments based on best available evidence.
WHO cautioned that U.S. withdrawal could undermine several global initiatives now under negotiation or recently adopted.
Member states last year agreed the WHO Pandemic Agreement — a treaty framework intended to strengthen preparedness and response — and are currently negotiating a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system designed to speed detection of pandemic capable pathogens and ensure equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.
WHO said U.S. participation strengthens those mechanisms and hopes the country will rejoin in the future.
Analysts and health officials say a U.S. exit could have immediate and longer-term effects: reduced funding for WHO programs, diminished scientific and public health collaboration, and a potential gap in U.S. influence on technical standards and emergency coordination.
WHO noted that the systems it operates 24/7 contributed to keeping all countries safe, including the United States, and highlighted ongoing reforms and reviews undertaken since the pandemic.
The agency reaffirms its commitment to work with all countries to advance “the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people,” and urged continued engagement from member states as the Executive Board and World Health Assembly consider the implications of the U.S. decision.
