Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has dismissed the reasons cited by the United States for its withdrawal from the agency, calling them “untrue” and warning that the move endangers global safety.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) in response to the US notification effective January 22, Tedros underlined WHO’s respect for sovereignty of member states’ while urging America — a founding member — to reconsider its decision and return to active participation.
The US, under President Donald Trump, terminated its WHO membership citing bureaucratic inefficiencies, alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and failures impacting Americans, as outlined in a joint declaration by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. Trump had signed an executive order shortly after his January 2025 inauguration, echoing his earlier 2020 attempt, with the exit finalized after one year’s notice despite outstanding dues for 2024-2025.
Tedros highlighted the US’s crucial role in WHO triumphs like smallpox eradication. He pointed out that the US withdrawal weakens transnational health defenses against pandemics and antimicrobial resistance. “The notification makes both the US and the world less safe,” he posted, reaffirming WHO’s commitment to universal health rights. He stressed on solidarity over funding disputes, noting reforms already address criticisms like over –reliance on US contributions.
Global health experts echo concerns, warning of disrupted surveillance and emergency coordination, especially for vulnerable regions. Critics, like the Trump administration, decry WHO’s China ties during COVID origins, but Tedros insisted lessons were learned via cost-cutting and transparency drives. As WHO presses on with all nations, Tedros’s plea underscores fractured multilateralism.
