The World Health Organization has issued a strong response to the United States' decision to withdraw, stating the move will make America and the world less safe. The statement came Sunday after President Donald Trump finalized the exit. Kenya has been affected by the funding cuts and is seeking new partners.
On Sunday, the World Health Organization issued an official statement expressing regret over the United States' decision to withdraw from the United Nations health agency. The statement warned that the exit would make America 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," the statement read.
WHO rejected U.S. claims that the agency had tarnished the country's name, insisting all engagements were conducted "in good faith". Regarding its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO acknowledged it did not get everything right but acted quickly, transparently, and based on the best available scientific evidence. "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. 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," the statement said.
WHO also countered accusations that it promoted government mandates during the pandemic, clarifying that lockdowns were not its recommendations. Despite the firm rebuttal, the agency ended on a conciliatory note, recognizing the United States' contributions to major global health achievements.
On Wednesday, Trump signed additional executive orders, withdrawing the U.S. from UN-Habitat, headquartered in Nairobi, and UN Women, which supports programs against gender-based violence and women's rights in countries like Kenya. The U.S. had been WHO's largest funder, contributing up to 20 percent of its annual budget. Last year, after the funding cut, Kenya's government expressed openness to new partnerships with other donor countries.
