More States Join WHO Network After US Exit

Several Democratic-led states have signed on to the World Health Organization's global disease response network following the US withdrawal.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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After the United States withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2025, several Democratic-led states have announced plans to join the WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. Wisconsin, California, Illinois, New York, and Colorado have all said they will participate in the network, which helps rapidly identify, confirm, and respond to public health emergencies globally. The moves come as Republican politicians, including Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany, have criticized the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and vowed to remove their states from any WHO partnerships.

Why it matters

The US withdrawal from the WHO was seen by some as reducing states' ability to access global public health data and coordinate on disease preparedness. By joining the WHO's response network, these Democratic-led states aim to bolster their own disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities, even as the federal government has distanced itself from the global health organization.

The details

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, announced his state would join the WHO network, saying 'We must do what we can to keep our kids, our families, and our communities healthy and safe.' However, Evers' Republican challenger Tom Tiffany has vowed to remove Wisconsin from any WHO partnerships if elected. Other states joining the network include California, Illinois, New York, and Colorado, all led by Democratic governors who cited the need for global health coordination and data-sharing.

  • In January 2025, the United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization.
  • On February 17, 2026, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced his state would join the WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.
  • In early February 2026, officials in Illinois and New York City said they were also joining the WHO's network.
  • On February 10, 2026, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said New York had joined the WHO network.
  • On February 13, 2026, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Colorado intends to become part of the WHO partnership.

The players

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who announced his state would join the WHO's global disease response network.

Tom Tiffany

A Republican running to succeed the term-limited Evers as Wisconsin governor, who has vowed to remove the state from any WHO partnerships.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California, who was the first to announce his state would join the WHO's global response network.

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York, who said her state had joined the WHO network to help detect and respond to outbreaks globally.

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado, who said his state intends to become part of the WHO partnership to access global health data and expertise.

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What they’re saying

“We must do what we can to keep our kids, our families, and our communities healthy and safe.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

“During COVID, the WHO acted as a puppet for Communist China. I led the fight in Congress against the WHO pandemic treaty and will always defend Wisconsin and America's sovereignty.”

— Tom Tiffany, Republican Candidate for Wisconsin Governor (X)

“We will continue to foster partnerships across the globe and remain at the forefront of public health preparedness.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“We want to learn from health science around the world to help make sure Coloradans can get the most advanced and effective treatments for diseases.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado

“The unfortunate United States' withdrawal from WHO reduced the ability of states to access global public health data. Disease does not stop at the borders, and preparedness depends on timely information and partnerships. Colorado is taking positive and immediate steps to ensure doctors and hospitals are better connected to global early-warning systems and scientific expertise so we can better protect Coloradans.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado

What’s next

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The takeaway

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