WHO chief says ‘matter of time’ before US joins top health agency

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed hope for the United States' rejoining the global health agency. Ghebreyesus has been in discussions with US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He emphasized the importance of US leadership in WHO, stating that it is only a matter of time before the US joins the organization.

The US formally withdrew from WHO in January 2026, citing concerns over the agency's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the US being WHO's largest donor, contributing $1.284 billion during the 2022-23 biennium, its absence has created significant funding gaps, forcing the agency to reprioritize programmes and contain costs.

Ghebreyesus highlighted the importance of the US in terms of expertise and global reach, pointing to institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. He stressed that no other organization can replace the role WHO plays in coordinating responses to major health crises, such as Ebola.

Ghebreyesus also emphasized the need for the world not to lose sight of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in terms of pandemic preparedness. He cautioned against politicizing or weaponizing pandemics, stating that countries should work together during health emergencies. Regarding the origins of COVID-19, Ghebreyesus reiterated that all hypotheses remain on the table, including a possible laboratory-related origin.

He stressed the importance of continued efforts to improve information-sharing, surveillance, and preparedness, highlighting India's experience as a positive example for the Global South.