Illinois and New York City have announced they will join the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), following President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the global health body in 2025. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, confirmed the move on Tuesday, making Illinois the second US state to join after California.
Governor Pritzker criticised the federal withdrawal, stating: “By withdrawing from the World Health Organization, Donald Trump has undermined science and weakened our nation’s ability to detect and respond to global health threats. I refuse to sit idly by and let that happen.” He added that joining GOARN ensures public health leaders have the information and partnerships needed to protect Illinois residents.
Through its membership, Illinois will gain access to global early-warning alerts, outbreak intelligence, technical collaboration, and surge support during major health emergencies. The state will also participate in international training and best-practice exchanges. New York City's health department followed with a similar announcement on Wednesday, citing access to a network of over 360 institutions that respond to acute public health events.
New York City Acting Health Commissioner Dr Michelle Morse said: “Infectious diseases know no boundaries, and nor should the information and resources that help us protect New Yorkers.” The city's health department, with an annual budget of $1.6bn and over 7,000 employees, is one of the world's largest public health agencies.
The US withdrawal from the WHO, completed in January, drew widespread condemnation from medical organisations and the UN. The US had been the WHO's largest donor, contributing about 18% of its funding, and its departure led to the loss of nearly a quarter of the WHO's workforce. Trump accused the WHO of failing to act independently and criticised its funding structure.
