Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state has joined the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), an international network focused on monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks. This move comes after the United States withdrew from the WHO under President Trump, which reduced national involvement in global public health efforts.
Governor Pritzker stated, “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. By joining the World Health Organization’s coordinated network, GOARN, we are ensuring that our public health leaders – and the public – have the information, expertise, and partnerships they need to protect the people of our state. Across our state and alongside valued partners around the world, Illinois will continue to put science, preparedness, and people first.”
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton added, “We’re dedicated to following the international standard for health and wellness, and this is another step in that work. Just as Illinois continues to follow a scientifically supported vaccine schedule, we will continue to rely on evidence, data, and medical expertise to guide our decisions. We will always choose the health of our people over political grandstanding or misinformation, and we will remain focused on what keeps families and communities safe.”
GOARN is a partnership managed by WHO that includes hundreds of public health organizations worldwide. Its goal is rapid detection and response to emerging public health threats. Through membership in GOARN, Illinois aims to strengthen its pandemic preparedness while maintaining coordination with U.S. partners.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra commented on Illinois’ participation: “Disease knows no borders, and Illinois is taking decisive steps to strengthen our preparedness. Joining the World Health Organization’s GOARN connects us to global experts, rapid alerts, and real-time intelligence, essential tools for preventing and managing outbreaks. Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, IDPH will continue to take decisive action to protect the health of Illinois residents.”
As part of GOARN membership benefits, Illinois gains access to early-warning systems for outbreaks worldwide as well as opportunities for technical collaboration during major events. The state can also participate in international training exercises designed for best-practice sharing among members.
Illinois brings established resources such as expanded genomic sequencing capacity developed during COVID-19 response efforts along with expertise in outbreak investigation.
In October 2025 Governor Pritzker joined a coalition called Governors Public Health Alliance—comprising 15 governors—to counteract federal actions perceived as weakening America’s public health infrastructure.
The state also convenes a Global Health Advisory Committee composed of local experts who provide scientific insight into policy decisions regarding international disease threats.
Governor Pritzker recently signed legislation empowering IDPH’s Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC) with authority over vaccine guidance—a measure intended both to reinforce science-based policies and address misinformation about vaccines.
