US withdraws from the World Health Organisation (WHO)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that it has received formal notification of withdrawal from the United States of America, shortly after WHO Europe announced a new collaborating centre aimed at strengthening evidence-based immunisation policy across the European region.

WHO confirms receipt of US withdrawal notification

In a statement dated January 24, 2026, WHO said it “regrets” the United States’ notification of withdrawal, describing the decision as one that “makes both the United States and the world less safe.”

WHO noted that the United States is a founding member of the organisation and has contributed to major public health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox and progress against diseases such as polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis and malaria.

According to WHO, the notification raises procedural issues that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on February 2 and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May.
The full statement is available via WHO’s official notification of the US withdrawal.

WHO responds to US criticism over COVID-19

The WHO statement addresses comments attributed to the US government, which cited alleged WHO failures during the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for withdrawal. These included claims that WHO obstructed the timely and accurate sharing of information and compromised its independence.

WHO rejected these claims, stating that it “acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence.” It added that while it recommended measures such as masks, vaccines and physical distancing, it did not recommend mandates or lockdowns, and that policy decisions were made by sovereign governments.

WHO also outlined steps it has taken following reviews of the pandemic response to strengthen preparedness and response systems, which it said operate continuously and contribute to global health security.

US domestic health debate

The withdrawal notification comes amid an ongoing public debate in the United States over public health policy, including vaccines and nutrition guidelines.

WHO Europe announces new immunisation collaborating centre

In a separate announcement published on January 13, WHO Europe confirmed that the Immunisation Unit of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-based Immunisation Policy Making.

WHO Europe said the designation recognises RKI’s work in supporting National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) across the WHO European Region. NITAGs are expert bodies that provide governments with evidence-based recommendations on immunisation policies, including vaccine schedules, delivery methods and programme financing.

WHO Europe said that NITAGs play a key role in supporting public trust in vaccines by systematically reviewing scientific evidence and translating it into national recommendations.

Further details are published in WHO Europe’s announcement on the new collaborating centre.

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