WHO rejects U.S. allegations after withdrawal
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus rejected U.S. allegations following Washington’s withdrawal from the agency, calling the stated reasons “untrue” and warning the move would weaken global health security.
In a post on social media platform X, Ghebreyesus said the decision would make both the United States and the world less safe, stressing the need for international cooperation in addressing global health threats.
The WHO denied U.S. claims that it mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic or delayed the sharing of critical information, saying it remains an impartial U.N. body governed by its 194 member states.
The United States formally completed its withdrawal from the WHO on Jan. 22, ending nearly 78 years of membership, after a one-year notice period. President Donald Trump, who ordered the withdrawal during his second term, has repeatedly criticized the agency over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
Ghebreyesus said the WHO hopes the United States will rejoin in the future.
