California has become the first U.S. state to join the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), marking a significant shift in public health strategy following the United States' official withdrawal from the WHO on January 23, 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the partnership during a meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The California Department of Public Health will now collaborate with hundreds of global institutions under GOARN to detect and respond to emerging health threats. "We refuse to let federal disengagement compromise our preparedness," Newsom stated, criticizing the U.S. withdrawal as "reckless."
This move builds on California's recent initiatives, including the December 2025 Public Health Network Innovation Exchange and the West Coast Health Alliance formed with Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. The state now stands as the sole U.S. subnational entity in GOARN, while several American academic institutions remain network members.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the nation's WHO exit after 70 years, citing pandemic response concerns. California's unilateral action signals growing state-level innovation in global health governance amid evolving federal priorities.
