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WHO chief says reasons U.S. gave for withdrawing 'untrue'

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dismissed U.S. claims on COVID-19 response as false and highlighted unresolved issues over unpaid dues totaling about $260 million.

  • On January 22, 2026, the United States formally withdrew from the World Health Organization, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • U.S. officials said the withdrawal followed a January 2025 executive order, citing WHO failures during the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting American sovereignty.
  • World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the reasons cited by Washington are untrue and emphasized WHO acted quickly, shared information rapidly, and never recommended mandates or lockdowns.
  • The WHO said the notification raises issues and will be examined by the WHO Executive Board next month and the World Health Assembly in May, while the United States owes $278 million in unpaid dues, NPR reported.
  • Experts warn the loss of U.S. membership could weaken surveillance and coordination, noting WHO systems run 24/7 to support early detection and responses.
Insights by Ground AI

72 Articles

Center

The U.S. state of California wants to continue its cooperation with the World Health Organization even after the US leaves.

·Germany
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Left

The decision makes the United States and the less secure world warned Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

·São Paulo, Brazil
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Center

The US has officially announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Washington accuses the UN agency of numerous failures. Now WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus has responded, calling the accusations "false information."

·Hamburg, Germany
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NDTV broke the news in New Delhi, India on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
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