WHO says US withdrawal notice will be weighed by its governing bodies, warns decision makes the world less safe

The World Health Organization said on January 24, 2026, that it regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal and warned the decision would make both the United States and the world less safe, underscoring the role the agency plays in coordinating responses to outbreaks and other health threats.

In its statement, WHO noted the United States’ historic involvement as a founding member and highlighted areas where collaboration has contributed to major public health achievements, including disease eradication and progress against a range of infectious threats. The agency framed U.S. participation as central not only to funding, but also to governance and technical cooperation.

WHO said the notification raises issues that will be considered by its Executive Board at a regular meeting beginning February 2, 2026, and later by the World Health Assembly during its annual meeting in May 2026. Those discussions are expected to address operational and governance implications, including how programs and partnerships could be affected.

Responding to criticism from U.S. officials, WHO rejected claims that it is driven by nations hostile to American interests, arguing that it is a specialized UN agency governed by 194 member states and that it operates to serve all countries. The organization also pointed to reforms and systems developed before and after the COVID-19 emergency phase that it says have strengthened readiness and round-the-clock monitoring.

The statement also highlighted the WHO Pandemic Agreement adopted by member states last year and ongoing negotiations over a pathogen access and benefit-sharing system, describing those efforts as key to faster detection and more equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics in future crises.

WHO added that it hopes the United States returns to active participation in the future and said it will continue working with remaining member states to address both communicable and noncommunicable health threats. Public health experts have long argued that international coordination remains critical because outbreaks, supply chains, and travel do not stop at national borders.