Why the WHO’s statement on U.S. withdrawal is sparking global debate and concern

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by WHO, click this post to read the original article.

As a founding member of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States has played a key role in many of its global health successes, such as the eradication of smallpox and advancements in the fight against diseases like polio, HIV, Ebola, malaria, and tuberculosis. That’s why WHO expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision to withdraw from the organization. According to WHO, this move weakens both the United States and global safety. The matter will be formally addressed during meetings of the WHO Executive Board and World Health Assembly in 2026.

You might have heard that the U.S. cited WHO’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for leaving, accusing it of withholding information and lacking transparency. WHO strongly disagrees with these claims, emphasizing that it acted quickly and communicated openly from the onset of the outbreak. From the first reports of pneumonia in Wuhan, China, WHO initiated emergency protocols, shared vital information with the world, and regularly advised governments based on the best available science.

WHO insists it never mandated measures like mask-wearing or lockdowns; those decisions were always left to national governments. While no one handled the pandemic perfectly, WHO believes it took the right steps under intense and unprecedented circumstances. They’ve since reviewed their response and made improvements to better support countries like yours in preparing for future emergencies.

There were also claims that WHO has been politically biased or influenced by countries opposed to U.S. interests. WHO denied these allegations, reaffirming its commitment to impartiality and service to all 194 Member States. The organization recently marked progress by adopting a new Pandemic Agreement, aimed at ensuring a faster global response to future health threats, including fair access to vaccines and treatments.

Although the United States has stepped away for now, WHO hopes your country will eventually re-engage. In the meantime, the organization remains dedicated to working with all nations to promote the highest standard of health as a basic human right.