US states join WHO global outbreak network
Washington state, Colorado, and New York City joined the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) on April 1, 2026, following the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026. As of April 1, 2026: California, Illinois, New York, New York City, Washington, and Colorado are affiliated with GOARN, a global network of over 360 public health institutions. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced his state's decision to join GOARN on January 23, 2026, the day after the U.S. withdrawal. Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, reported on January 28, 2026, that other states, including Illinois, were preparing to join. California's participation allows it to receive regular outbreak updates and access the WHO's Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources platform.
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April 2026 — 1 developments
Washington State, Colorado, and New York City Join Global Outbreak Alert Network
Washington state, along with Colorado and New York City, joined the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) on April 1, 2026. This follows California's earlier affiliation with GOARN after the United States withdrew from the World Health Organization.
February 2026 — 1 developments
WHO welcomes California, Illinois, New York, and New York City to GOARN
The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed California, Illinois, New York, and New York City to its Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). GOARN is a global network of over 360 public health institutions, governments, academic bodies, and laboratories that aids in detecting and controlling infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies worldwide. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced his state's decision to join GOARN on January 23, 2026, the day after the Trump administration's withdrawal from the WHO.
January 2026 — 4 developments
California joins GOARN for outbreak updates and WHO platform access
California's participation in GOARN allows it to receive regular outbreak updates and access the WHO's Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources platform, though the state cannot become a full WHO member.
Dr. Erica Pan reports other states preparing to join GOARN following California's lead
Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, reports that other states, including Illinois, are making preparations to follow California's lead and join GOARN.
Governor Newsom meets with WHO Director-General to discuss public health threats
Governor Gavin Newsom meets with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss collaboration on public health threats.
United States completes withdrawal from World Health Organization
The United States formally completes its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, ending nearly eight decades of membership.
September 2025 — 1 developments
Governor Newsom Signs AB 144, Authorizing California to Base Immunization Guidance on Independent Medical Organizations
Governor Newsom signs AB 144, authorizing California to base its immunization guidance on independent medical organizations, further asserting state-level health autonomy.
January 2025 — 2 developments
California and West Coast states launch Health Alliance to coordinate guidelines and share data
California, alongside Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii, launches the West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate health guidelines and share data and expertise.
President Trump signs executive order to withdraw US from WHO
President Trump signs an executive order initiating the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization, citing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.