US withdraws from WHO pandemic response reforms
Al JazeeraJUL 19
US Rejects WHO Pandemic Amendments
Above: Headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 23, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. Image copyright: Robert Hradil/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These WHO amendments threaten American sovereignty by giving unelected international bureaucrats unprecedented power over U.S. health policy. The vague language opens doors to the same management and censorship seen during COVID-19, while forcing America to prioritize global solidarity over protecting its citizens.
Establishment-critical narrative
The U.S. rejection undermines crucial global health cooperation needed for future pandemics. The amendments explicitly preserve national sovereignty while improving information sharing and ensuring poorer countries aren't left behind during health crises, as happened with COVID-19 vaccine access.