WHO Warns US Withdrawal Threatens National and Global Health Security
The World Health Organization has warned that the United States’ planned withdrawal from the agency poses a direct risk to both American and global health security. Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the move would weaken international capacity to respond to pandemics and cross-border health emergencies, calling the decision a loss for the US and the wider world.
The warning comes ahead of the withdrawal taking formal effect next week, one year after President Donald Trump signed the decision following his return to office. US officials have justified the move by criticizing the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and alleging political influence within the organization, claims the WHO has repeatedly denied. The agency says many of its programs directly support US health security, particularly in surveillance and emergency preparedness.
WHO officials also raised legal and financial concerns, noting that the organization’s rules do not clearly outline a withdrawal mechanism. The US relied on 1948 arrangements requiring a one-year notice and full payment of dues, which officials say remain unpaid for 2024 and 2025. The WHO warned that losing US contributions—about 18 percent of its funding—could disrupt critical programs and force major restructuring.
