GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed regret over the United States’ decision to withdraw from the agency, warning that the move will leave both the US and the world less safe. The statement, released Saturday, also disputed the US administration’s criticisms of the agency.

In response to claims that the WHO has “trashed and tarnished” the US, compromised its independence, and pursued a “politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests,” the agency said these accusations are untrue. The WHO noted that it has “always sought to engage with the United States in good faith, with full respect for its sovereignty,” and that it remains impartial, serving all countries “without fear or favour.”

Defense of COVID-19 response

The statement devoted significant space to defending the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The US had accused the agency of obstructing “timely and accurate sharing of critical information” and concealing failures. The WHO countered that it acted quickly, shared information transparently, and provided guidance based on the best available evidence.

WHO emphasized that it recommended masks, vaccines, and physical distancing, but never mandated masks, vaccines, or lockdowns. Upon receiving reports of “pneumonia of unknown cause” in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019, the WHO immediately requested more information and activated its emergency incident management system. By January 11, 2020, when the first death was reported in China, the agency had already alerted the world through official channels, public statements, social media, and expert guidance.

On January 30, 2020, WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern, the highest alert under international health law, when fewer than 100 cases had been reported outside China. The Director-General repeatedly urged countries to act immediately, warning that “the window of opportunity is closing” and describing COVID-19 as “public enemy number one.”

The agency also noted that it has taken steps to strengthen its own systems and assist countries in bolstering pandemic preparedness and response capacities, contributing to global safety, including for the United States.

Door open for US return

Despite the withdrawal, the WHO said it remains committed to global cooperation and hopes the United States will re-engage in the future. The statement highlighted recent milestones such as the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, described as a “landmark instrument of international law” aimed at preventing and responding to future pandemics.

The agency also noted the US’s contributions as a founding member, including progress against smallpox, polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety.

“WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all countries in pursuit of its core mission,” the statement concluded, reaffirming its mandate to advance “the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.”