Michael Gwarisa
The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly rejected claims by the United States that it failed during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the accusations as untrue and misleading following Washington’s formal notification of withdrawal from the global health body.
The response comes days after the United States became the first country to exit the WHO since its establishment in 1948. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump, who accused the organization of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic, lacking transparency, and shielding China from accountability during the early stages of the outbreak.
In a detailed statement, WHO acknowledged the historic role played by the United States as a founding member and a major contributor to global public health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress against polio, HIV, Ebola, tuberculosis, malaria, influenza, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food safety. However, the organization dismissed the substance of the US allegations, saying they do not reflect the reality of its work.
“WHO takes note of statements from the government of the United States that say WHO has trashed and tarnished and insulted it, and compromised its independence. The reverse is true,” the organization said. “As we do with every Member State, WHO has always sought to engage with the United States in good faith, with full respect for its sovereignty.”
WHO said it regretted the US decision to withdraw, warning that the move would have consequences beyond Washington. According to the organization, the withdrawal makes both the United States and the rest of the world less safe at a time when global cooperation is critical to prevent and respond to health emergencies.
The organization confirmed that the notification of withdrawal will be reviewed through its governance structures, with the matter set to be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on 2 February, and later by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.
One of the central justifications cited by the United States for leaving WHO was what it described as the organization’s failure during the COVID-19 pandemic, including allegations that WHO obstructed the timely and accurate sharing of critical information and concealed its own shortcomings.
WHO rejected those claims, acknowledging that while no government or international organization handled the pandemic perfectly, it stands by its response to what it described as an unprecedented global health crisis. The organization said it acted swiftly and transparently, sharing information as it became available and providing guidance to member states based on the best available scientific evidence.
During the pandemic, WHO said it consistently advised on public health measures such as the use of masks, vaccines and physical distancing. However, it stressed that it never recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns. Instead, WHO said it supported national governments to make sovereign decisions they believed were in the best interests of their populations.
Summarising its early response, WHO explained that it moved quickly once reports emerged of a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause in Wuhan, China, at the end of December 2019. The organization said it immediately sought further information from Chinese authorities and activated its emergency incident management system. By the time China reported its first COVID-19 related death in January 2020, WHO had already alerted the global community, convened international experts and issued technical guidance to help countries prepare their health systems.
When the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, fewer than 100 cases had been reported outside China and there were no recorded deaths beyond its borders. In the weeks and months that followed, WHO leadership repeatedly urged countries to act decisively, warning that the window to contain the virus was closing and describing COVID-19 as a global threat requiring immediate action.
WHO said that since the pandemic, it has subjected its own performance to multiple independent reviews and has taken steps to strengthen its systems and operations. These reforms, alongside investments in global surveillance and emergency response systems that operate around the clock, have contributed to improved preparedness for future health threats, benefiting all countries, including the United States.
The organization also dismissed US claims that it operates under a politicized and bureaucratic agenda driven by countries hostile to American interests. WHO described those assertions as false, stressing that it is a specialized agency of the United Nations governed by 194 member states.
According to WHO, it has always remained impartial and committed to serving all countries equally, with respect for national sovereignty and without political bias.
Despite the US withdrawal, WHO said it continues to receive strong support from its remaining member states, which are working collectively to address major global health challenges. Of particular significance, the organization highlighted the adoption last year of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which once ratified is expected to become a landmark instrument in international law aimed at preventing and responding to future pandemics.
Member states are currently negotiating an annex to the agreement known as the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. WHO said the mechanism is intended to promote the rapid detection and sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential, while ensuring equitable and timely access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.
