Sun Jan 25 04:09:00 UTC 2026: ### U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Sparks Controversy, Director-General Dismisses Washington’s Claims

The Story:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has strongly refuted the reasons cited by the United States for its formal withdrawal from the organization, which took effect on January 22, 2026. In a statement released on January 24, 2026, Dr. Tedros dismissed accusations made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., characterizing them as “untrue.” He warned that the U.S. withdrawal “makes both the U.S. and the world less safe.”

The U.S. officials accused the WHO of “failures during the Covid-19 pandemic” and of acting “repeatedly against the interests of the United States.” They further alleged that the WHO compromised its independence and obstructed the timely sharing of critical information. The WHO has rejected these accusations, stating that it acted transparently and in good faith throughout the pandemic, and that the U.S. still owes around $260 million in dues.

Key Points:

  • The U.S. formally withdrew from the WHO on January 22, 2026, following a one-year notice period initiated by former President Donald Trump.
  • Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has refuted the U.S. accusations against the WHO, deeming them “untrue.”
  • U.S. officials Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, alleging failures and compromised independence.
  • The WHO denies obstructing the sharing of information and emphasizes its commitment to transparency and good faith engagement with all member states.
  • The U.S. has not paid its 2024 or 2025 dues and is in arrears of around $260 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. withdrawal creates a global health leadership void.
  • Accusations of political influence within international health organizations continue to be a sticking point.
  • Financial obligations and withdrawal protocols for international bodies remain contentious.
  • The move reflects a deeper rift between the U.S. and global multilateral institutions.

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