Newsletters
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the United States’ decision to withdraw from the U.N. health agency, describing Washington’s stated reasons as “untrue” and warning that the move would undermine global health security.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Ghebreyesus said the U.S. withdrawal would make both the United States and the wider world less safe, stressing the importance of international cooperation in responding to global health threats.
Ghebreyesus emphasized that the United States, as a founding member of the WHO, had contributed significantly to the organization’s achievements and that the agency has always engaged with member states with full respect for their sovereignty.
The WHO also rejected U.S. claims that it mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic or obstructed the timely and accurate sharing of critical information. The agency said it stands by its coronavirus response and denied accusations that it pursued a politicized agenda or acted in the interests of countries hostile to the United States.
“This is untrue,” the WHO said, adding that it remains an impartial U.N. agency governed by its 194 member states.
The United States formally completed its withdrawal from the WHO on Jan. 22, ending nearly 78 years of membership, following a one-year notice period required under international rules.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who ordered the withdrawal during his second term, has long criticized the WHO, accusing it of mismanaging the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak and imposing an unfair financial burden on the United States.
Despite the withdrawal, Ghebreyesus said the WHO hopes the United States will return in the future and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
