New York City joins WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network after United States withdrawal

Exam-focused facts from the 7 February 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

New York City Health Department announced it has joined the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
The decision follows President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from WHO.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have also said their states will join GOARN.
GOARN comprises more than 360 technical institutions that respond to public health events such as pandemics and disease outbreaks.
By joining GOARN, New York City gains access to a global network of over 360 institutions for deployment of staff and resources to affected countries.