Washington State joins global outbreak network after U.S. exits WHO

State will maintain access to global disease data and response support.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:10am

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Washington state is joining the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, a partnership of over 360 public health agencies, following the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization. State officials say the move will help them identify risks sooner and respond more quickly to threats like COVID-19, measles, and avian influenza.

Why it matters

With the U.S. no longer part of the WHO, Washington is taking steps to ensure it maintains access to critical global disease data and coordinated response capabilities through this international network. This will be crucial for the state's public health efforts in the wake of the federal government's retreat from global health cooperation.

The details

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced that Washington is entering the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, a partnership focused on detecting and responding to outbreaks worldwide. State Health Secretary Dennis Worsham said the network will provide early-warning alerts and support to help the state identify risks and respond faster to emerging threats.

  • On April 1, 2026, the United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization.
  • On April 2, 2026, Washington state announced it would be joining the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.

The players

Gov. Bob Ferguson

The governor of Washington state who announced the state's decision to join the global disease monitoring network.

Dennis Worsham

The Washington state Health Secretary who said the network will help the state identify risks and respond faster to emerging threats.

Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network

A partnership of over 360 public health agencies and organizations focused on detecting and responding to outbreaks globally.

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What they’re saying

“Washington will not stand idle as the federal government retreats from global public health.”

— Gov. Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

“The network will help the state identify risks sooner and respond more quickly to threats such as COVID-19, measles and avian influenza.”

— Dennis Worsham, Washington State Health Secretary

What’s next

The state will begin participating in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network immediately to gain access to its global disease data and coordinated response capabilities.

The takeaway

With the U.S. withdrawing from the WHO, Washington is taking proactive steps to maintain its own global public health monitoring and response capabilities through this international network. This will be crucial for the state's ability to quickly identify and address emerging disease threats in the years ahead.