Nairobi, Kenya- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a firm rebuttal to accusations from the United States, warning that Washington’s decision to withdraw from the UN health agency will leave both Americans—and the wider world—less safe.
In a detailed statement released on Sunday, the global health body said it regretted the U.S. decision, which was finalised following a directive by former President Donald Trump, and confirmed that the withdrawal would now be formally reviewed by WHO’s governing organs.
“The notification of withdrawal raises 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 2026,” the agency said.
Kenya Among Countries Feeling the Fallout
Kenya is among the countries already feeling the impact of Washington’s exit, after the U.S. cut funding to WHO—forcing the Kenyan government to explore alternative donor partnerships to support critical public health programmes.
The United States had been WHO’s single largest donor, contributing up to 20 pc of the organisation’s annual budget, making the withdrawal a significant financial blow to global health initiatives, particularly in developing countries.
WHO Defends COVID-19 Response, Rejects Mandate Claims
Addressing U.S. claims that WHO mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency acknowledged that it did not get everything right—but strongly defended its overall response.
“Throughout the pandemic, WHO acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available scientific evidence,” the statement said.
WHO stressed that it never recommended lockdowns, vaccine mandates, or mask mandates, countering claims that it imposed government restrictions.
“We recommended the use of masks, vaccines and physical distancing, but decisions on mandates were made by sovereign governments, based on what they believed was in the best interests of their people,” the agency added.
WHO also rejected accusations that it acted in bad faith, insisting that all engagements with the U.S. and other member states were conducted honestly and transparently.
U.S. Pulls Out of UN-Habitat and UN Women, Nairobi Affected
The WHO withdrawal is part of a broader retreat from multilateral institutions. On Wednesday, Trump signed additional executive orders pulling the U.S. out of several UN agencies—including UN-Habitat, whose global headquarters are based in Nairobi.
UN-Habitat plays a key role in urban planning, affordable housing, and sustainable development, supporting governments in drafting urban policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
The U.S. also exited UN Women, a major agency supporting programmes to combat gender-based violence and advance women’s rights in countries such as Kenya.
Conciliatory End Amid Growing Uncertainty
Despite its strong defence, WHO struck a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the United States’ historic role in advancing global health outcomes.
Still, the funding gap left behind has prompted countries like Kenya to actively seek new international partners, as uncertainty grows over the future of multilateral health financing.
