The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has strongly refuted Washington’s justification for withdrawing from the UN health agency, calling the accusations “untrue” and warning that the move endangers both the United States and the wider world.

In a statement posted on X, Tedros said: “Unfortunately, the reasons cited for the US decision to withdraw from WHO are untrue. WHO has always engaged with the US, and all Member States, with full respect for their sovereignty.”

The announcement of withdrawal was made Thursday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who accused the WHO of “failures during the Covid-19 pandemic” and of acting against US interests. They claimed the agency had “trashed and tarnished” America’s reputation and compromised its independence.

WHO rejected the allegations, insisting it had acted transparently during the pandemic, rapidly sharing information and advising governments based on the best available evidence. The agency emphasized that while it recommended masks, vaccines, and distancing, it never imposed mandates or lockdowns, leaving such decisions to sovereign governments.

The dispute comes as Washington completes a year-long withdrawal process initiated under President Donald Trump. However, WHO noted that the US has not fulfilled its financial obligations, with unpaid dues totaling around $260 million. The organization said the matter would be reviewed at its upcoming Executive Board and World Health Assembly meetings.

Despite the tensions, Tedros expressed hope that the US would eventually return to active participation, reaffirming WHO’s commitment to its mission of ensuring the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.