Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that the state will rejoin the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). This move follows Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO back in 2025.
Pritzker expressed his concerns, stating, “By withdrawing from the WHO, Donald Trump weakened our ability to tackle health threats. I won’t let that happen in Illinois.” He emphasized that by joining GOARN, Illinois will bolster its public health efforts with vital information and support.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton echoed Pritzker’s sentiments, asserting the state’s priority is the health of its residents over political disputes. She emphasized their commitment to family and community safety.
Through GOARN membership, Illinois will gain access to crucial global alerts and intelligence on disease outbreaks. The state will also engage in international training and collaborative efforts during public health crises.
Trump’s withdrawal affected the WHO significantly since the U.S. was its largest donor, contributing about 18% of its total funding. This departure resulted in a loss of nearly 2,000 jobs from the organization’s workforce.
Many medical leaders and organizations criticized the decision, including the American Medical Association and the United Nations. They argued that withdrawing from the WHO undermined global health efforts. Trump cited issues like perceived political influence on the organization and unbalanced funding responsibilities as reasons for the U.S. exit.
In response to Trump’s actions, Illinois joined a coalition of governors committed to maintaining public health standards across the nation. This coalition aims to protect their states against the erosion of health infrastructure.
Joining GOARN represents a step towards scientific cooperation and preparedness for future health crises. It reflects a growing trend among states to prioritize public health over politics, especially in an age where global cooperation is critical to managing health threats effectively.
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