In a forceful rebuttal, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has publicly dismissed the United States’ stated reasons for withdrawing from the UN health agency as fundamentally untrue. The response came following Thursday’s formal withdrawal announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who cited WHO’s COVID-19 pandemic response failures and actions against American interests as justification.
Tedros countered these claims through official statements and social media posts, asserting that WHO has consistently operated with full respect for national sovereignty while providing evidence-based guidance. The organization specifically refuted allegations of obstructing information sharing during the pandemic, emphasizing its transparent and rapid dissemination of critical data to all member states.
The withdrawal process, initiated by former President Donald Trump’s executive order and completed this week, now faces complications regarding financial obligations. WHO officials note that the United States remains approximately $260 million in arrears for 2024-2025 dues, with the organization stating the withdrawal ‘raises issues’ that will be addressed during upcoming Executive Board and World Health Assembly meetings.
Despite the diplomatic rift, Tedros expressed hope for America’s eventual return to active participation while reaffirming WHO’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of ensuring the highest attainable health standards for all people globally. The director-general warned that the withdrawal ultimately diminishes safety protections for both American citizens and the international community.