Story perspectives

WHO Chief Slams U.S. Withdrawal Amid COVID-19 Criticism

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 24, 2026, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, criticized the United States' withdrawal as untrue and harmful to global safety.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused the WHO of failing during Covid-19 and undermining U.S. interests.
The United States remains behind on financial obligations, complicating the withdrawal and prompting discussion at upcoming WHO meetings.

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Story summary

On January 24, 2026, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, criticized the United States' withdrawal as untrue and harmful to global safety.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused the WHO of failing during Covid-19 and undermining U.S. interests.
The United States remains behind on financial obligations, complicating the withdrawal and prompting discussion at upcoming WHO meetings.