New York State has joined the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The move aims to strengthen New York’s role in global public health preparedness and response.
“New York has always led in public health and safety and now we’re doing our part to protect lives while the federal government puts Americans’ health at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “By joining GOARN, we’re sharing our expertise, laboratories and highly skilled workforce to detect and respond to outbreaks worldwide while helping prevent global health threats from reaching New York State and the United States. Protecting New Yorkers means protecting communities everywhere — I’ll always stand up for the health and safety of our state and country.”
The United States withdrew from the World Health Organization in January under the Trump Administration, which affected the country’s participation in international efforts against pandemics.
Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, stated, “Joining GOARN shows New York’s commitment to fast, coordinated responses to public health threats. Through this partnership, we will share our expertise, provide laboratory support, strengthen infection control and help manage public health emergencies worldwide.”
GOARN is a network coordinated by WHO that brings together over 300 technical institutions and networks globally. It offers rapid detection of outbreaks as well as verification and response support by providing countries with technical knowledge, laboratory resources, and operational coordination.
The New York State Department of Health oversees a wide range of public health areas including disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, environmental health, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, and healthcare facility regulation. Its Wadsworth Center provides diagnostic testing services such as genomic sequencing and antimicrobial resistance monitoring; these resources will now contribute to GOARN activities internationally.
Through this partnership with GOARN, the department will offer technical assistance for capacity-building initiatives, improve risk communication strategies, and coordinate with international partners on public health matters.
The collaboration is expected to give New York earlier access to information about global outbreaks. It should also enhance staff expertise through practical experience in outbreak response while strengthening laboratory capabilities—measures that are intended to improve readiness for new or recurring public health threats within the state.
Governor Hochul has taken several steps in recent months related to public health policy. In September 2025 she signed an executive order ensuring access for all residents to updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2025–26. In October 2025 she joined a nonpartisan coalition known as the Governors Public Health Alliance that works toward nationwide coordination on public health issues by connecting governors with other leaders in the field. In January 2026 both state and city departments endorsed an immunization schedule recommended by pediatric experts designed to protect children against eighteen preventable diseases.
