Amidst the global health crisis, Illinois takes a stand against Trump's withdrawal from the WHO. Governor JB Pritzker announces that Illinois will join the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), a move that aims to strengthen the state's preparedness and response to global health threats. This decision comes as a response to Donald Trump's controversial decision to withdraw the US from the WHO in 2025, a move that has been widely criticized by medical organizations and the UN.
Pritzker, a Democrat, emphasizes the importance of science and global cooperation, stating, 'By withdrawing from the World Health Organization, Donald Trump has undermined science and weakened our nation's ability to detect and respond to global health threats. I refuse to sit idly by and let that happen.'
Illinois' membership in GOARN provides direct access to global early-warning alerts and outbreak intelligence, as well as opportunities for technical collaboration and surge support during major public health emergencies. The state will also participate in international training programs, exercises, and best-practice exchanges, ensuring that public health leaders and the public have the necessary information and expertise to protect the people of Illinois.
This move is significant as it follows Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the WHO, which had been the largest donor to the organization, accounting for about 18% of its total funding. The US's departure led to the loss of nearly a quarter of the WHO's workforce, highlighting the impact of political decisions on global health initiatives.
The Governor's Public Health Alliance, a coalition of 15 governors, including those from New York and California, was formed in response to Trump's withdrawal. This alliance is committed to protecting states from the erosion of trust and the dismantling of America's public health infrastructure. Illinois' decision to join GOARN is a testament to its commitment to science, preparedness, and the well-being of its citizens.
