The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded to the United States of America after it announced its intention to withdraw from the organization.

In a statement dated Tuesday, January 21, 2025, WHO stated that as a founding member, its withdrawal is regrettable adding that US has participated in shaping and governing the health organisation.

WHO further indicated that in partnership with US have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats for over seven decades noting how their combined effort contributed to the end of smallpox.

“WHO plays 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, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go,” WHO stated.

“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, WHO 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 WHO.

In addition, WHO disclosed that the US and other member states have contributed to the implementation of the historical reforms in the organisation.

The organisation hoped that the US President Donald Trump would reconsider his decision for the benefit of the health and well-being of people globally.

“With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO 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. We hope the United States will reconsider 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,” WHO added.

US withdrawal from WHO

On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the US from WHO marking the second time he has ordered the US to be pulled out of the health organisation as a member State.

WHO comments on United States announcement of intent to withdraw

Geneva – The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.

WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the… pic.twitter.com/rk9xtIRC4x

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 21, 2025