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WHO Chief Slams US Withdrawal Reasons as "Untrue," Warns of Global Risk

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has stated that the reasons given by the United States for its withdrawal are "untrue" and warned the decision makes the world less safe. The US, which initiated withdrawal a year ago, has outstanding dues of approximately $278 million for 2024-2025. The formal withdrawal process is now on the agenda for an upcoming WHO Executive Board meeting. US officials stated the action, executed via a Donald Trump executive order, aims to free the country from the organization's constraints.

Key Points: WHO Says US Withdrawal Reasons Untrue, Cites $278M Debt

  • WHO chief calls US withdrawal reasons untrue
  • US owes WHO ~$278 million in dues
  • Formal withdrawal on WHO Executive Board agenda
  • Exit follows Trump's 2025 executive order
  • US officials say move frees country from WHO constraints
2 min read

WHO chief says US reasons for withdrawal 'untrue'

WHO chief refutes US reasons for leaving, warns it makes the world "less safe." US owes $278M in dues as formal withdrawal proceeds.

"the move will make the United States and the world 'less safe' - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus"

Geneva, Jan 25

The World Health Organization chief said that the reasons given by the United States for its decision to withdraw from the WHO are "untrue."

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, made the remarks on social media platform X on Saturday. He warned that the move will make the United States and the world "less safe," Xinhua news agency reported.

The United States, which announced its withdrawal from the WHO a year ago, has yet to pay its outstanding membership dues, a WHO press official has confirmed.

"As of today, the USA has not paid the invoiced amounts for its assessed contributions for the biennium 2024-2025," a WHO press official said in an email to Xinhua on Wednesday.

According to a recent report by the National Public Radio (NPR), a US-based media organization, the overdue sum totals approximately 278 million US dollars.

The formal withdrawal of the United States is on the agenda of the WHO's upcoming Executive Board meeting, the official added, noting that the WHO Secretariat "will act on advice and guidance of our governing bodies accordingly."

On January 20, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the country from the WHO. The United Nations received the formal notice two days later.

Under the organization's charter, the withdrawal takes effect one year after notice is given.

Earlier on Thursday, the United States announced that it has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization, ending its membership in the global health body. The move, the Trump administration said, fulfills a promise made on the president's first day in office.

In a joint statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the withdrawal was carried out through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump and was aimed at freeing the United States from what they described as the organization's constraints.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
While I understand the need for reform in international bodies, this withdrawal seems reckless. The WHO, despite its flaws, is essential for coordinating responses to pandemics. Not paying $278 million while leaving is irresponsible leadership.
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Priya S
As an Indian, I feel this creates a vacuum. It might be an opportunity for countries like India to take more leadership in global health governance. But the immediate effect is worrying for disease surveillance and vaccine equity.
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Aman W
The DG is right to call out untrue reasons. This looks like pure politics over public health. The world saw during COVID how important WHO guidelines were, even if they weren't perfect. Hope sense prevails and they rejoin soon.
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Michael C
Withholding funds and then leaving is not the way to drive reform. It just weakens the institution. There are legitimate criticisms of the WHO, but this action makes the US look like a bad partner who doesn't pay its bills.
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Kavya N
This is a lesson for India too. We must strengthen our own public health systems and not be overly dependent on any single country or organization. Jai Hind! 🙏

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