WHO responds to US withdrawal, says Trump’s move threatens global safety
By Aloys Michael, January 25, 2026The World Health Organisation (WHO) has responded to accusations by the United States following Washington’s decision to withdraw from the UN health agency.
In a statement on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the WHO expressed regret after the U.S. finalised its withdrawal, warning that the move would make the United States and the world less safe.
“The notification of withdrawal raises issues that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on 2 February and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026,” a statement read in part.
WHO has said that all its engagements are done in good faith, although it admitted that it did not get everything right in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, the health authority maintained that it acted quickly, transparently, and based on the present scientific evidence.
On the criticism over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO admitted that while the agency did not get everything right, it acted quickly, transparently and based on the best available scientific evidence.
Kenya is among the casualties of Trump’s funding cut to the WHO, meaning the government has to seek alternatives.
“Throughout the pandemic, WHO 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,” it said.
“WHO recommended the use of masks, vaccines and physical distancing, but at no stage recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns. We supported sovereign governments to make decisions they believed were in the best interests of their people, but the decisions were theirs.”
WHO has also denied accusations that it enforced government mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, clarifying that lockdown measures were not part of its official guidance.
In its response, the WHO concluded on a diplomatic note, recognising the United States’ contributions to significant global health initiatives.
Trump had signalled that he would withdraw the US from dozens of UN and international organisations. On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Trump signed additional executive orders to withdraw from multiple international organisations, including the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat, which is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
UN-Habitat plays a vital role in promoting sustainable urban development, affordable housing, and effective urban planning.
The agency works closely with governments to design and implement national and local urban policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
Surprisingly, the United States withdrew its support from UN Women, a major international organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and advancing women’s rights in countries like Kenya.
Following the reduction of U.S. funding to the WHO in 2025, the government signalled its willingness to collaborate with other nations to support essential global health initiatives. Notably, the U.S. was previously the largest contributor to the WHO, providing nearly 20 per cent of the organisation’s annual budget.