By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday expressed deep regret over the United States’ impending withdrawal from the agency, warning that the move endangers both American and global health security just days before the one-year notice period concludes.
Speaking from WHO headquarters in Geneva, Tedros described the decision—triggered by President Donald Trump’s executive order signed on January 20, 2025, hours after his second inauguration—as a “loss for the United States, and it’s also a loss for the rest of the world.”
He stressed, “Withdrawal from WHO is dangerous it makes the US unsafe and makes the rest of the world unsafe, so it’s not really the right decision.”
Tedros highlighted the mutual benefits of US membership, particularly in health security, noting that “there are many things that are done through WHO that benefit the US… especially the health security issues.” He added: “The US cannot be safe without working with WHO,” and reiterated hope that Washington would reconsider and rejoin.
The withdrawal process, initiated via formal notice under arrangements reserved in 1948 (since the WHO constitution lacks an explicit exit clause), requires one year’s notice and full settlement of financial obligations for the current fiscal year. WHO Chief Legal Officer Steve Solomon told reporters the exact completion date remains unclear, as the US is in arrears for 2024 and 2025 payments, prompting questions among member states about whether conditions have been fully met.
Amid global aid cuts straining WHO’s budget, Tedros emphasised solidarity over funding: “What matters most is solidarity, cooperation, and for the whole world to prepare itself for any eventualities, to a common enemy like a virus, like Covid. The best immunity is solidarity.”
The comments come as the US exit—reversing Biden’s 2021 reinstatement of membership—threatens disruptions to global disease surveillance, outbreak response, and pandemic preparedness, with experts warning of weakened coordination against future threats.
