The New York City Health Department announced on Wednesday that it has joined the World Health Organization’s global outbreak response network after the United States withdrew from the UN health agency under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In response to Trump’s decision to exit the WHO, several Democratic-led regions have chosen to remain connected by joining the organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), which comprises over 360 technical institutions worldwide. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized the president’s policies, advocating for continued international cooperation. Similarly, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have declared their states’ intentions to align with GOARN. This network plays a crucial role in managing global health emergencies such as pandemics and outbreaks by mobilizing staff and resources to affected areas.
The NYC Health Department emphasized the importance of global collaboration, stating, “By joining GOARN, New York City gains access to a worldwide network of over 360 institutions and organizations that respond promptly to urgent public health incidents.” Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse added, “Infectious diseases don’t respect borders, and neither should the information and resources that help us safeguard New Yorkers.”
The United States officially exited the WHO last month after completing a mandatory one-year waiting period following an executive order Trump signed in January 2025. Since taking office, Trump’s administration has withdrawn from numerous international and UN organizations, claiming they do not serve U.S. interests. These actions have faced widespread criticism from health and human rights experts worldwide.
