WHO reacts to U.S. withdrawal announcement from organization 

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday, emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in safeguarding global health.

The statement noted that the World Health Organization has played 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, detecting, preventing, and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.  

The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board.

“For over seven decades, World Health Organization and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in the World Health Organization.”,  the statement added,

The statement further highlighted the successful reforms with the participation of the United States and other Member States.

“World Health Organization has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues.”

“The World Health Organization remains hopeful that the United States will reconsider its decision, and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”

US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order declaring the United States’ intent to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).

They are also tasked with recalling and reassessing U.S. personnel and contractors working with the WHO and identifying credible U.S. and international partners to take over essential activities previously managed by the organization.

Furthermore, the Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy is required to review, rescind, and replace the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy in alignment with the new executive actions.