By Adeyemi Adekunle
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made a plea to the United States on Monday, urging President Donald Trump to reverse his controversial decision to withdraw the U.S. from the global health body. Tedros, speaking at the opening of the WHO’s executive board meeting, expressed deep regret over the move, warning that it would have catastrophic consequences not only for the organization but for global health in the midst of the worst pandemic in modern history.
With the U.S. being the WHO’s largest donor, contributing billions to its budget, the withdrawal leaves a massive void in the funding that supports critical health initiatives worldwide. Trump’s executive order, signed just hours after his return to office on January 20, sparked global concern, as the U.S. has long been a cornerstone of the organization’s ability to respond to health emergencies, fight diseases, and promote global public health.
“We regret the decision and we hope the U.S. will reconsider,” Tedros stated, his voice filled with urgency. “The world needs solidarity, not division, especially when we are facing the most serious health crisis in generations.”
Tedros directly addressed the claims made by Trump, who accused the WHO of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO chief reminded the world that the organization had been tirelessly coordinating global efforts to tackle the crisis, providing life-saving resources, and working to ensure that vulnerable countries were not left behind in the race for vaccines.
“The WHO is a platform for collective action, and we cannot fight this battle alone,” Tedros added, making an emotional appeal for unity in the face of a global health disaster. “If the U.S. pulls out, it will send a dangerous message that global collaboration is no longer a priority.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of health systems around the world and highlighted the critical need for countries to work together. Tedros stressed that the WHO’s ability to coordinate efforts against the virus — from vaccine development to the distribution of life-saving medical supplies — is essential to containing the crisis. The loss of U.S. support, he warned, would undermine these efforts and leave millions of people without the help they need.
“We cannot afford to go backward. We cannot afford to pull apart at a time when unity is so desperately needed,” Tedros emphasized, as he reiterated the importance of continued U.S. engagement with the WHO.
The emotional plea comes at a time when the global community is watching in disbelief as the U.S., the world’s wealthiest and most influential nation, chooses to turn its back on an institution that is essential to public health worldwide. Tedros pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic is only one of many pressing global health challenges, including rising health inequities, mental health crises, and antimicrobial resistance. He warned that pulling out of the WHO now would not only hinder efforts to control the current crisis but also leave the world unprepared for future health threats.
“We are all in this together,” Tedros said, urging the U.S. to reconsider its decision for the sake of the future of global health. “This is a moment for leadership, not isolation.”
As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, the U.S.’s decision to withdraw from the WHO could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the organization’s ability to respond to global health threats but for the future of international cooperation in combating pandemics. The international community is left to wonder: will the U.S. heed Tedros’ call, or will it abandon global health leadership in one of the most critical moments in history? The outcome of this decision could determine the fate of millions of lives worldwide.
