By Micah Jonah
January 24, 2026
California has become the first U.S. state to join the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), following the federal government’s formal withdrawal from the UN agency.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the move on Friday, a day after the United States officially ended nearly 80 years of WHO membership. California’s participation aims to strengthen public health preparedness and improve rapid response coordination at both state and international levels.
Newsom described the Trump administration’s withdrawal as a “reckless decision” that threatens public health, emphasizing that California will take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks.
With nearly 40 million residents, California accounts for about 12 percent of the U.S. population and maintains the world’s fifth-largest economy. The state has repeatedly clashed with the federal government under President Donald Trump over policies – ranging from public safety to national guard deployments.
The WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network monitors emerging epidemics, assesses disease risks, and coordinates international responses. Its significance was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the rapid global spread of infectious diseases.
California’s move signals a growing willingness among U.S. states to engage independently in global health initiatives, even as the federal government retreats from multilateral health commitments.
