WORLD NEWS: U.S. Announces Withdrawal from World Health Organization; WHO Expresses “Regret,” Defends Pandemic Record

GENEVA, January 24, 2026 – In a move that marks a seismic shift in the global health landscape, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed receipt of a formal notification from the United States of America to withdraw from the UN health agency. The announcement, made public in a detailed statement from WHO headquarters today, has triggered widespread concern about the future of international cooperation against pandemics and other health threats.

The WHO statement began by acknowledging the United States’ historic role as a founding member, crediting its contributions to landmark achievements like the eradication of smallpox and the fight against HIV, polio, and Ebola. However, the tone swiftly turned to one of profound disappointment and warning.

“WHO therefore regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal from WHO – a decision that makes both the United States and the world less safe,” the agency stated unequivocally.

The U.S. decision, which will be formally deliberated by the WHO Executive Board in February and the World Health Assembly in May 2026, was reportedly accompanied by sharp criticism from Washington. WHO noted U.S. claims that the agency had “trashed and tarnished” it, compromised its independence, and pursued a “politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests.” WHO rejected these assertions, stating, “The reverse is true,” and affirmed its commitment to engaging all member states with respect for their sovereignty.

Pandemic Response at the Heart of the Dispute

A central pillar of the U.S. justification, according to the WHO, was cited “failures during the COVID-19 pandemic,” including alleged obstruction of information sharing. In an extensive point-by-point rebuttal, the WHO defended its early pandemic actions, providing a detailed timeline:

• Dec. 31, 2019: WHO activated its emergency system upon first reports from Wuhan.
• Jan. 11, 2020: Before China reported its first death, WHO had already issued global alerts and guidance.
• Jan. 30, 2020: WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)—its highest alarm—when there were fewer than 100 cases and no deaths reported outside China.

The statement emphasized that while WHO recommended protective measures like masks and vaccines, it “at no stage recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns,” asserting that final decisions rested with sovereign governments.

A Future Without U.S. Membership

The withdrawal comes at a critical juncture. WHO highlighted that its 194 member states last year adopted a landmark WHO Pandemic Agreement, designed to strengthen global defenses against future outbreaks. Nations are currently negotiating a complementary Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system to ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments.

The U.S. exit casts a long shadow over these initiatives and the operational capacity of WHO, which has long relied on American financial and technical support. The agency, however, expressed hope for a future return.

“We hope that in the future, the United States will return to active participation in WHO,” the statement concluded, reaffirming its commitment to its constitutional mandate of pursuing “the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.”

The formal departure process is now underway, setting the stage for intense diplomatic discussions in the coming months over the architecture of global health security in an era of renewed great-power fragmentation.