US states join WHO global outbreak network
California, Illinois, New York, and New York City joined the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) on February 12, 2026, following the United States' formal withdrawal from the WHO on January 22, 2026. As of February 12, 2026: These four entities are now part of GOARN, a global network of over 360 public health institutions, enabling them to receive outbreak updates and access the WHO's Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources platform. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced his state's decision on January 23, 2026, after meeting with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Davos, Switzerland. Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, noted that other states, including Illinois, were preparing to join GOARN.
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5 updatesThe 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.
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, 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.
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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.
via advisory.com·americanbazaaronline.com·gov.ca.gov·youtube.com·usmuslims.com
The United States formally completes its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, ending nearly eight decades of membership.
via advisory.com·americanbazaaronline.com·gov.ca.gov·youtube.com·usmuslims.com
2025
3 updates
2025
3 updatesGovernor Newsom signs AB 144, authorizing California to base its immunization guidance on independent medical organizations, further asserting state-level health autonomy.
via advisory.com·americanbazaaronline.com·gov.ca.gov·youtube.com·usmuslims.com
California, alongside Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii, launches the West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate health guidelines and share data and expertise.
via advisory.com·americanbazaaronline.com·gov.ca.gov·youtube.com·usmuslims.com
President Trump signs an executive order initiating the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization, citing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
via advisory.com·americanbazaaronline.com·gov.ca.gov·youtube.com·usmuslims.com
2026
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