The New York City Health Department announced on Wednesday its membership in the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), a move that follows President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the U.N. health agency.
This significant development highlights a growing trend among Democratic leaders who, in response to the federal withdrawal from the WHO, are opting to join the organization’s network to bolster their public health responses. Notably, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have also declared their states will participate in the WHO’s global initiative.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been outspoken in his criticism of President Trump’s policies regarding public health and international cooperation.
The NYC Health Department emphasized the importance of this network, stating, “By joining GOARN, New York City gains access to a global network of over 360 institutions and organizations that respond to acute public health events with the deployment of staff and resources to affected countries.” This collaboration aims to enhance the city’s capacity to manage infectious diseases, particularly in times of crisis.
Michelle Morse, New York City’s Acting Health Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer, reinforced the need for collective action, asserting, “Infectious diseases know no boundaries, and nor should the information and resources that help us protect New Yorkers.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. officially exited the WHO after a year-long waiting period triggered by an executive order signed by Trump in January 2025. The President’s departure from multiple global organizations has been met with criticism from various public health and human rights advocates.
