Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus rejected US explanations for leaving the World Health Organization, calling the stated reasons "untrue" and warning the move "makes both the US and the world less safe." WHO said it acted transparently during the Covid‑19 pandemic and did not recommend mandates for masks, vaccines or lockdowns. US figures accused WHO of pandemic failures and claimed the withdrawal protects US sovereignty. WHO noted unresolved financial and procedural questions, including roughly $260 million in unpaid US dues, and said the issue will be examined at upcoming WHO meetings.
WHO Chief Calls US Reasons For Withdrawal 'Untrue' and Warns Move Makes World Less Safe
'Unfortunately, the reasons cited for the US decision to withdraw from WHO are untrue,' said Tedros (Fabrice COFFRINI)(Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP/AFP)
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director‑General of the World Health Organization (WHO), on Saturday publicly rejected the reasons offered by US officials for withdrawing from the agency, describing the stated justifications as "untrue" and warning that the withdrawal "makes both the US and the world less safe."
WHO Rejects US Claims
In a post on X, Tedros insisted that "WHO has always engaged with the US, and all Member States, with full respect for their sovereignty." The agency reiterated that throughout the Covid‑19 pandemic it acted "quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence."
"WHO recommended the use of masks, vaccines and physical distancing, but at no stage recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns," the agency added, stressing that sovereign governments made their own policy decisions.
Statements From US Figures
A joint statement published on Thursday by US figures including Senator Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Washington had formally withdrawn from WHO, accusing the agency of "failures during the Covid‑19 pandemic" and of acting "repeatedly against the interests of the United States." The statement also alleged that the WHO had "trashed and tarnished" the US and compromised its independence.
WHO strongly denied those accusations, saying the reverse is true and that it had sought to engage with the United States "in good faith." The agency also rejected claims that it had "obstructed the timely and accurate sharing of critical information" during the pandemic.
Financial And Procedural Questions
WHO pointed out that when the United States joined the organisation in 1948 it reserved the right to withdraw, provided it gave one year's notice and fulfilled its financial obligations for the current fiscal year. The US, however, has reportedly not paid its 2024 or 2025 assessed dues and is said to be behind by about $260 million.
WHO said the notification of withdrawal "raises issues" and that the matter will be examined at the agency's Executive Board meeting next month and at the annual World Health Assembly in May. The agency added that it hopes the US will return to active participation in the future.
What This Means
WHO reiterated its core mission: to work with all countries to achieve the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people. Tedros and the agency emphasized they remain committed to collaborating with member states while the procedural, financial and governance matters related to the US notification are reviewed.
Note on Reporting: The original announcement referenced prominent US figures who issued the withdrawal statement. Where possible, identifying roles have been clarified: Senator Marco Rubio is a US lawmaker, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a prominent public figure and vaccine critic; they are not serving as US cabinet secretaries.
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