By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
The World Health Organization (WHO) has informed the general public of its regret in the withdrawal of the United States of America stating that, the decision makes both the United States and the world less safe.
WHO acknowledged in a Facebook post on Saturday, January 24, 2026 that, the US being a founding member of the Organization, had contributed significantly to many of WHO’s greatest achievements, including the eradication of smallpox, and progress against many other public health threats including polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and more.
According to the WHO, the notification of withdrawal raises issues that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting February 2, 2026 and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.
This follows US President, Donald Trump signing an executive order signalling the withdrawal a year ago, having criticised the organisation for being too “China-centric” during the Covid pandemic.
The US Department of Health and Human Services said, it took the decision due to the WHO’s alleged “mishandling” of the pandemic and political influence from member states.
WHO has however rejected these claims and clarified in the Facebook post that, they have always sought to engage with the United States in good faith and with full respect for its sovereignty.
With regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, WHO explained that, they acted quickly, shared all information they had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence. WHO also recommended the use of masks, vaccines and physical distancing.
In WHO’s concluding statement, they hoped, the United States will return to active participation in WHO in the future. Meanwhile, WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all countries in pursuit of its core mission and constitutional mandate: the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.
