The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep regret following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw the United States from the global health agency. WHO emphasized the critical role it plays in safeguarding global health and urged the U.S. to reconsider its decision for the benefit of millions worldwide, including American citizens.
WHO Urges Reconsideration of U.S. Decision
The organization described its indispensable role in addressing the world’s health crisis. “WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks in dangerous areas where others cannot go,” said Dr. Tedros according to a statement shared on X by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
WHO comments on United States announcement of intent to withdraw
Geneva – The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.
WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the… pic.twitter.com/rk9xtIRC4x
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 21, 2025
The WHO also emphasized the United States’ critical role in developing the organization since its founding in 1948. “For more than seventy years, WHO and the United States have saved millions of lives, eradicated smallpox, and brought polio to the brink of extinction. American institutions have greatly contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO,” the statement added.
Trump Defends Decision to Withdraw
On Monday, President Trump signed an executive order announcing withdrawal citing the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its failure to implement necessary reforms. He had also criticized the organization’s financial structure for being inequitable where a large contribution has been required from the U.S. as opposed to other member states.
The executive order stated, “The United States notified its withdrawal from WHO in 2020 because the organization had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic that had originated in Wuhan, China, and had been unable to show independence from inappropriate political influences of member states.
Trump also cited financial disparities, saying, “The WHO continues to demand unfairly onerous payments from the United States, far out of proportion with other countries’ assessed contributions. China, with a population of 1.4 billion, contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO than the U.S.”
WHO Emphasizes Achievements and Changes
The organization, in its response, underlined its commitment to accountability and cost-effectiveness while mentioning the biggest set of reforms in its history over the past seven years. The organization mentioned that such changes have brought a huge positive change in its impact across countries, and such efforts are still underway.
“WHO and the U.S. have together achieved remarkable milestones in global health. We hope the United States will reconsider and engage in constructive dialogue to preserve our partnership for the benefit of millions worldwide,” the statement concluded.
Global Implications of U.S. Withdrawal
The withdrawal of the U.S. raises a serious concern for health initiatives around the world because the country has been a significant contributor to WHO’s funding and projects. The appeal made by WHO reflects the importance of collaboration in overcoming the urgent challenges of pandemics and disease outbreaks that are transboundary.
