California and Illinois to work with WHO after U.S. withdrawal

California has joined WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and Illinois is preparing to join, after the U.S. withdrew from WHO in January 2025.

California and Illinois are taking steps to maintain links with the World Health Organization after the United States withdrew from WHO in January 2025. California's Department of Public Health now participates in weekly WHO calls and has joined the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. Illinois officials said the state is making preparations to join the network. Federal officials have described a shift toward bilateral health agreements. Key facts: - The United States formally withdrew from WHO in January 2025, as announced by the administration. - California has joined WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and participates in weekly WHO calls; Illinois is preparing to join, officials said. - The GOARN network includes more than 350 groups and has supported responses to outbreaks such as SARS and Ebola, and it provides outbreak alerts and access to WHO intelligence platforms. Summary: State health officials say joining GOARN will allow them to stay connected to international surveillance and outbreak response networks even as federal engagement changes. Undetermined at this time.