US States & NYC Partner With WHO After Federal Withdrawal
New York City has formally partnered with the World Health Organization, joining a network designed to counter emerging pathogens and outbreaks, following the United States’ official withdrawal from the UN agency in January. The move, announced this week, mirrors similar actions by four states seeking to maintain access to critical international outbreak intelligence.
The U.S. Officially withdrew from the WHO on January 22, 2026, after President Donald Trump initiated the process a year prior. The withdrawal stemmed from disagreements over the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over its relationship with China. Despite the U.S. Fulfilling the requirement of providing a year’s notice, it has not paid its outstanding financial dues to the WHO, a matter currently under discussion by the organization’s executive board, with potential further review by the General Assembly in May.
New York’s decision, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, aligns the state with the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). This network facilitates rapid information sharing and coordinated responses to disease outbreaks worldwide. The partnership allows New York to directly receive alerts and collaborate with international experts in the event of a public health emergency.
The withdrawal of the United States, historically the WHO’s largest funder, has raised concerns about the agency’s ability to effectively respond to global health crises. Experts, including Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, have described the move as a significant setback for both global and domestic health security.
Even as the WHO charter does not explicitly allow for member state withdrawal, the U.S. Congress had previously included a provision permitting departure with a year’s notice and full payment of financial obligations. The outstanding dues remain a point of contention, with the WHO’s principal legal officer, Steven Solomon, stating the issue is reserved for member states to resolve.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, has expressed openness to welcoming the U.S. Back into the organization, indicating a desire for continued collaboration despite the current withdrawal. The WHO executive board is scheduled to discuss the financial and procedural implications of the U.S. Departure in February, leaving the future of U.S. Involvement uncertain.