WHO responds to US withdrawal notification, outlines upcoming governance review

In a statement dated 24 January 2026, the World Health Organization responded to the United States’ notification of withdrawal, expressing regret and warning of risks to US and global health security. Issues raised by the notification will be considered at the WHO Executive Board meeting beginning 2 February and at the World Health Assembly in May 2026. The statement does not specify how those issues will be resolved.

WHO rejected US government criticisms of its independence and COVID-19 response. It said it requested information from China and activated its emergency incident management system after receiving reports of unexplained pneumonia on 31 December 2019. WHO noted that when it declared a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported outside China.

The agency also highlighted continuing negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement, adopted by member states in 2025. WHO said the proposed system would support pathogen sharing and equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. For clinicians and researchers, the announcement concerns international preparedness and coordination rather than changes to clinical guidance. The statement presents WHO’s institutional position; it does not quantify the withdrawal’s anticipated health effects or detail operational consequences.