The United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 22nd. Secretary of State Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated this was in response to WHO’s failure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two criticized WHO for obstructing the timely sharing of crucial information that could have saved American lives.
According to CNA reports, the two senior officials issued a joint statement in the evening, declaring the WHO withdrawal was in line with an executive order signed on President Trump’s first day in office. They further criticized WHO for betraying its core mission and repeatedly acting against U.S. interests.
The joint statement said that even though the United States is a founding member and the largest financial contributor to WHO, the agency is nonetheless pursuing a politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by countries hostile to U.S. interests.
The two stated that WHO has smeared and disparaged the U.S. contributions, for example by refusing to return the American flag that once flew in front of its headquarters, claiming the U.S. withdrawal was not approved, and further asserting the U.S. still owes compensation. Going forward, U.S. interactions with WHO will be limited to carrying out the withdrawal process and safeguarding the health and safety of the American people.
Continued Cooperation with Trusted Health Institutions
The statement noted that the U.S. has halted all funding for WHO initiatives and will no longer station personnel at the agency.
According to the statement, the U.S. will continue to collaborate with other countries and reliable health institutions, share best practices, strengthen preparedness, and protect communities through a more transparent, effective, and results-oriented model.
Over the past year, WHO Director-General Tedros and other global health experts have urged the U.S. to reconsider withdrawing. Earlier this month, Tedros said: "I hope the U.S. will return to WHO. Withdrawal is a lose-lose for America and the entire world."
WHO has stated the U.S. still owes approximately $260 million (about RM1.042 billion) in unpaid membership dues. Under U.S. law, these fees should be paid upon withdrawal; however, an official from the U.S. State Department countered that the U.S. has no obligation to pay dues prior to relinquishing its membership status.