What It Means for Global Health
Category: Global Health & Policy
Reading Time: ~6 minutes
Published: January 24, 2026
Published by: Yarima.org Health Team
On January 24, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an official statement responding to the United States’ notification of withdrawal from the organization. As a founding member of WHO, the United States has played a major role in shaping global public health over the past decades.
WHO expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing that the withdrawal could weaken health security not only for the U.S., but for the world.
This article explains what WHO said, why it matters, and what could happen next.
The Role of the United States in WHO
WHO acknowledged the long-standing contributions of the United States, including its role in:
- The eradication of smallpox
- Progress against polio, HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola
- Advancements in food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and disease surveillance
For decades, U.S. scientific expertise, funding, and leadership have been deeply embedded in global health initiatives.
WHO’s Response to the Withdrawal Notification
WHO stated that the withdrawal:
- Raises legal and procedural questions
- Will be reviewed by the WHO Executive Board in February 2026
- Will be discussed by the World Health Assembly in May 2026
WHO emphasized that it remains committed to dialogue and cooperation with all Member States, including the United States.
Addressing Criticism Related to COVID-19
The U.S. government cited WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for withdrawal, including claims of delayed information sharing and lack of independence.
WHO firmly rejected these claims and outlined its actions:
- WHO requested information from China on December 31, 2019, immediately after reports of unexplained pneumonia
- Global alerts and technical guidance were issued in early January 2020
- The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency of International Concern was declared on January 30, 2020, when fewer than 100 cases existed outside China
- WHO shared information publicly and continuously through formal channels and media
WHO clarified that while it recommended masks, vaccines, and physical distancing, it never mandated lockdowns, vaccine mandates, or mask mandates, emphasizing that such decisions were made by individual governments.
Lessons Learned and Reforms Since the Pandemic
WHO acknowledged that no global institution handled the pandemic perfectly. In response to independent reviews, WHO has:
- Strengthened emergency surveillance systems
- Improved rapid information-sharing platforms
- Expanded pandemic preparedness programs
- Supported countries in building stronger health systems
Many of these systems operate continuously and contribute to early detection of future outbreaks.
WHO’s Position on Independence and Governance
WHO rejected claims that it serves political interests or hostile nations, stating:
- It is governed by 194 Member States
- It operates as a neutral, science-driven UN agency
- It respects national sovereignty
- It provides guidance without imposing authority
WHO emphasized that it exists to serve public health, not political agendas.
Ongoing Global Health Efforts
Despite the U.S. withdrawal notification, WHO highlighted ongoing achievements, including:
- Adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement
- Development of a global Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system
- Efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments
These initiatives aim to reduce future pandemic risks worldwide.
Looking Ahead
WHO expressed hope that the United States may return to active participation in the future. In the meantime, the organization reaffirmed its constitutional mission:
Health is a fundamental human right, and global cooperation remains essential to protect it.
WHO stated it will continue working with all countries to address both infectious and noncommunicable diseases and strengthen global health security.
Bottom Line
WHO views the U.S. withdrawal notification as a setback for global health collaboration but maintains that transparency, science, and international cooperation remain the strongest tools against future health threats.
📚 References (Trusted Sources)
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Statement on notification of withdrawal of the United States (January 24, 2026)
- WHO Constitution and International Health Regulations
- WHO Pandemic Agreement Documentation