POLITICS

California Joins WHO Network After U.S. Withdrawal Move

PUBLISHED Jan 23, 2026, 5:29 PM ET

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California Joins WHO Network After U.S. Withdrawal Move

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 9

Left 11%

Center 89%

Sources: 9

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that California joined the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, making it the first U.S. state to do so after the federal government moved to withdraw from the WHO. Newsom met with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the World Economic Forum in Davos and said the state would continue global partnerships to strengthen outbreak detection and response. The network includes more than 360 technical institutions that support rapid deployment for public health emergencies. The move follows U.S. withdrawal notices filed in 2020. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2020: The United States filed notice to withdraw from the World Health Organization.
Newsom met WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during his Davos visit to discuss cooperation.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced California would join WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.
Reports noted GOARN comprises more than 360 technical institutions that support outbreak response and deployment.
Jan. 23, 2021: Multiple outlets published coverage of California's GOARN membership following the U.S. withdrawal.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 11%, Center 89%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Public health institutions and international partners benefit from enhanced coordination, technical exchange, and access to GOARN deployment capabilities, strengthening outbreak detection and response capacity.

Who Impacted

Federal diplomatic positioning and the Trump administration's rationale for WHO withdrawal faced political criticism and diminished U.S. centrality in international public health coordination.