California Becomes First State to Join WHO’s Global Outbreak Response Network After US Exit

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is considering running for president in 2028, said the move keeps his state ‘at the forefront of public health preparedness.’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an election night press conference at a California Democratic Party office Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

California became the first U.S. state to join the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global outbreak response network after the United States withdrew from the WHO.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, unveiled the partnership with the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) in a Jan. 23 press release.