NYC joins WHO GOARN network after U.S. exit from WHO

Key Update

New York City’s health department announced it has joined the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).

Details

The city says membership strengthens rapid coordination for outbreaks by providing access to a global network that can help deploy expertise and resources during crises.

Background

The move follows the U.S. exit from WHO after the required waiting period tied to an executive order, pushing some jurisdictions to pursue parallel global-health ties.

Why It Matters

Outbreaks move faster than bureaucracy; cities want direct pipelines to expertise, coordination, and surge capacity—especially when national-level relationships with global institutions are strained.