WHO has formally expressed regret after the United States notified its intention to withdraw, saying the move makes both the United States and the world less safe. As a founding member that contributed to major global public health achievements, the US decision raises complex governance questions that will be examined by the WHO Executive Board beginning 2 February and by the World Health Assembly in May 2026.
In its response to the notification, WHO stressed that it has always engaged with the United States in good faith and with full respect for national sovereignty. The organisation rejected assertions that it had compromised its independence or pursued a politicised agenda, emphasising its impartial mandate under the United Nations and its duty to serve 194 Member States without fear or favour.
Addressing criticisms about WHO performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO defended its actions, noting it acted quickly after the first reports of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan on 31 December 2019. WHO activated its emergency incident management system, requested more information from China and alerted the world through formal channels, public statements and social media. By 11 January 2020, when the first death was reported in China, WHO had already convened experts and published guidance to help countries protect their populations and health systems.
WHO reminded readers that the Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, when outside China there were fewer than 100 reported cases and no reported deaths. Throughout the pandemic, WHO says it shared information rapidly and transparently, advised Member States based on the best available evidence and recommended measures such as masks, vaccines and physical distancing while leaving policy choices like mandates to sovereign governments.
In response to multiple reviews of the pandemic, WHO has taken steps to strengthen its own systems and to support countries in bolstering preparedness and response capacities. The organisation highlighted recent multilateral progress, including adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement and ongoing negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, aimed at promoting rapid detection and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
For Pakistan and other countries that rely on WHO technical support, the implications of a US departure are tangible: WHO-run systems operating 24/7 contribute to surveillance, early warning and response efforts that protect national health services. WHO expressed hope that the United States will return to active participation and reiterated its commitment to working with all countries to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for all people.
