Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced on 3/2 that the state would join the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). This move will allow Illinois to continue receiving global alerts and access a network of public health experts and international response resources.

"By withdrawing from the WHO, Donald Trump undermined science and diminished our ability to detect and respond to global health threats. I don't want to sit by and watch that happen", Pritzker said.

According to the WHO charter, only sovereign nations can be official members. Therefore, Illinois chose to establish a direct partnership with the WHO by joining GOARN.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in New Hampshire in 4/2025. Photo: *Reuters*

The Illinois governor affirmed that the state's joining GOARN ensures health officials and residents have access to the information, expertise, and cooperation needed to protect everyone.

California Governor Gavin Newsom also announced last month that his state joined GOARN to continue to "promote partnerships globally and remain at the forefront of public health efforts".

"In response to Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO, California was the first state to join GOARN", Newsom emphasized.

The U.S. officially withdrew from the WHO last month, adding that it had no plans to serve as an observer or rejoin in the future. The U.S. intended to work directly with other nations rather than through an international organization on disease surveillance and other public health priorities.

President Trump's decision followed an executive order he issued after taking office. Trump argued that the WHO mishandled the Covid-19 pandemic and other global health crises.

Ngoc Anh (According to AP, CBS, Politico)