The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), attributing its decision to the agency’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. officials claim the WHO failed to act decisively during critical moments, resulting in a delayed global response to the virus. This withdrawal marks the end of a partnership that has lasted for 78 years.
In a news release, U.S. officials stated, “The WHO delayed declaring a global public health emergency and a pandemic during the early stages of COVID-19, costing the world critical weeks as the virus spread.” They emphasized that the organization praised China’s response despite evidence suggesting underreporting and delays in confirming human-to-human transmission.
The criticisms extended to the WHO’s handling of asymptomatic transmission risks and its acknowledgment of airborne spread. This has raised significant concerns among U.S. leadership about the agency’s efficacy and transparency. In a joint statement, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the WHO as pursuing a “politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests.”
“By doing so, the WHO obstructed the timely and accurate sharing of critical information that could have saved American lives and then concealed those failures under the pretext of acting ‘in the interest of public health,’” they noted.
Financial Implications and Future Engagements
The United States owes over $130 million to the WHO, a sum that includes both annual dues and voluntary contributions. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. typically pays an average of $111 million annually in dues, along with approximately $570 million in voluntary contributions.
Despite the withdrawal, U.S. officials indicated that they would engage with the WHO solely to facilitate the exit process and to ensure the health and safety of the American populace. Notably, U.S. representatives played a pivotal role in establishing the WHO and have historically been among its largest donors.
Officials acknowledged concerns regarding access to data from other countries, a resource that could provide early warnings of future pandemics. They emphasized that the U.S. would continue its global health leadership through existing and new partnerships with other countries, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based entities.
Moving forward, the U.S. plans to focus its efforts on emergency response, biosecurity coordination, and health innovation, prioritizing the protection of American interests while delivering benefits to global partners.
As this situation unfolds, it raises questions about the future of international health collaboration and the role of the WHO in global pandemic preparedness. The decision to withdraw has significant implications for both U.S. and global health initiatives, as the country navigates its new path in addressing health challenges worldwide.
Editor’s note: This article includes contributions from the Associated Press.
