The reverse is true! WHO defends COVID-19 response as US pulls out

The World Health Organization has expressed regret over the United States’ notification of withdrawal from the global health body, warning that the decision makes both the US and the world less safe.

In a detailed statement, WHO noted that the United States is a founding member of the organization and has “contributed significantly to many of WHO’s greatest achievements,” including the eradication of smallpox and progress against major public health threats such as polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food safety.

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

The global health agency added that the notification raises issues that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on February 2 and later by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.

The global health body also addressed criticism from the US government, which accused WHO of having “trashed and tarnished” the country and compromised its independence.

WHO rejected the claim, saying, “The reverse is true.” It said it has always sought to engage with the United States “in good faith, with full respect for its sovereignty.”

One of the key reasons cited by the United States for its withdrawal was what it described as “WHO failures during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

These included allegations that the organization obstructed the timely sharing of information and concealed failures.

WHO said while no organization or government got everything right, it stands by its response to the pandemic.

Throughout the crisis, WHO said it “acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence.”

It emphasised that it recommended masks, vaccines and physical distancing, but “at no stage recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns.”

WHO detailed its early actions after receiving reports of a cluster of “pneumonia of unknown cause” in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019. It said it immediately sought more information from China and activated its emergency incident management system.

By January 11, 2020, when the first death was reported, WHO said it had already alerted the world, convened global experts and published guidance for countries.

When the Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020, WHO said there were fewer than 100 reported cases outside China and no reported deaths.

In the early months, the Director-General repeatedly warned that “the window of opportunity is closing,” said “this is not a drill,” and described COVID-19 as “public enemy number one.”

WHO said it has since taken steps to strengthen its work and support countries to improve pandemic preparedness.

It also rejected claims that it has pursued a “politicised, bureaucratic agenda,” saying this is “untrue” and reaffirming its impartial role.

The organization said it appreciates the continued engagement of its Member States and highlighted the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

WHO added that it hopes the United States will return to active participation in the future, while reaffirming its commitment to “the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.”