WHO Chief Rejects US Claims, Says Withdrawal Makes World ‘Less Safe’

The head of the World Health Organization on Saturday rejected Washington’s stated reasons for withdrawing from the agency, calling US criticism “untrue” and warning that the move would make both the United States and the world less safe.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the decision undermined global health security and was based on inaccurate information.

“Unfortunately, the reasons cited for the US decision to withdraw from WHO are untrue,” Tedros wrote on X.

He stressed that the agency had always engaged with the United States with full respect for its sovereignty.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Thursday that Washington had formally withdrawn from the UN health body, accusing it of failures during the Covid-19 pandemic and of acting against US interests.

The WHO has not yet confirmed that the withdrawal has taken effect.

‘Inaccurate Information’

In a statement, Rubio and Kennedy said the WHO had “trashed and tarnished” the United States and compromised its independence.

“The reverse is true,” the WHO responded, saying it had always worked with Washington in good faith.

The agency strongly rejected claims that it had obstructed the sharing of critical information during the pandemic or concealed failures that could have saved lives.

Kennedy also blamed the WHO for pandemic-related hardships, including deaths in nursing homes and economic losses caused by public health measures.

He said the withdrawal was aimed at protecting US sovereignty and restoring control of public health to Americans.

Tedros said these claims were inaccurate, insisting that the WHO had acted quickly and transparently during the pandemic.

“Throughout the pandemic, WHO shared information rapidly and advised countries based on the best available evidence,” the agency said.

It added that while it recommended masks, vaccines and physical distancing, it never imposed mandates or lockdowns, leaving such decisions to national governments.

Financial and Legal Questions

The dispute comes after a year-long withdrawal process launched by President Donald Trump through an executive order.

The process was completed on Thursday, but US officials said the WHO had not approved the withdrawal and was seeking compensation.

The WHO noted that under its rules, members may withdraw after one year’s notice if they have met their financial obligations.

Washington has not paid its 2024 or 2025 dues and is reportedly behind by about $260 million.

“The notification of withdrawal raises issues,” the WHO said, adding that the matter would be reviewed at its Executive Board meeting next month and at the World Health Assembly in May.

Tedros said he hoped the United States would return to active participation in the future.

“WHO remains committed to working with all countries to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for all people,” he said.