Governors Warn U.S. Withdrawal from World Health Organization Undermines Public Health Preparedness & Reaffirm Their Commitment to Protecting Heath
In response to the United States’ reported exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) warned that disengaging from global public health institutions weakens preparedness and puts people in the U.S. at greater risk from new and re-emerging diseases that know no borders. PHA also reaffirmed its commitment to work with partners across the country and the globe to continue monitoring for disease outbreaks, sharing critical health information, and protecting the health of their people.
Global disease surveillance, early warning systems, and international information-sharing are essential public health infrastructure that have long helped states detect outbreaks early, coordinate responses, and save lives. Walking away from that infrastructure shifts risk downstream to states, clinicians, and families — and makes the nation more vulnerable to global health threats and less prepared for the next public health emergency.
PHA is coordinating with Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases to utilize information from BEACON — the Biothreats Emergence, Analysis, and Communications Network to track disease, and to share vital information, and collaborate on solutions for community protection and preparedness.
PHA Governors urged federal leaders to reconsider actions that undermine global cooperation and to remain engaged in the international systems that support disease surveillance, early warning, and rapid response.
PHA is a nonpartisan coalition launched in October 2025 by 15 governors, representing more than one in three people in the U.S. The Alliance exists to strengthen cross-state coordination, preparedness, and response against a backdrop of cross-border threats and federal uncertainty.
Through PHA, governors are already working together to:
PHA will continue facilitating coordination among states and work with public health experts and partners to build durable, science-driven systems that protect communities today and remain in place regardless of political shifts at the federal level.
As the U.S. withdraws from the World Health Organization, here’s what PHA Governors are saying:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom: “The Trump administration’s reckless decision to pull the United States out of WHO puts decades of progress at risk, creating a real uncertainty about the advancement of public health both in our country and around the world. As responsible leaders working to mitigate the damage of this decision, our alliance will continue to stand up for science, cooperation, and the wellbeing of the people we serve.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis: “The United States leaving the World Health Organization is a step back from global leadership, and is a reckless decision that weakens public health preparedness and puts American lives at risk. Disease doesn’t stop at state or national borders. Governors have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of our residents and, through GPHA working with other governors, Colorado is stepping up to share information, coordinate across other state governments, and ensure we are ready to detect and respond to emerging health threats.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont: “Removing the United States from the world’s premier health organization is irresponsible and eliminates our country’s voice in responding to public health emergencies. As we know all too well, illnesses do not know borders. The World Health Organization provides an incredibly valuable service for all nations in responding to new and emerging illnesses. We have a responsibility to the people we represent to participate in the coordination of health and safety matters, and even though the federal government has decided to no longer engage with the global health community, our states are prepared to lead to protect public health to the best of our abilities.”
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer: “Public health is not partisan. It is about preparedness, prevention, and protecting lives. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization weakens our ability to detect outbreaks early, coordinate responses, and protect our residents, especially children, seniors, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Delaware will continue to follow the science, work with trusted partners, and advocate for strong global health coordination.”
Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green: “As a governor and physician, I have a responsibility to protect the people of Hawaiʻi, and I care about protecting our entire nation. Globally, we have seen recent outbreaks of serious illnesses such as Ebola, Marburg and chikungunya, as well as a resurgence of polio. Meanwhile, the U.S. is about to have an influx of international travelers for the World Cup competition. We must strengthen partnerships with other countries to share information and contain outbreaks before they reach our shores. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) is not only irresponsible, but dangerous. We should treat public health as the global concern that it is — and remain in the WHO.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker: “Withdrawing from the World Health Organization is another reckless move by the Trump Administration that puts lives at risk. Just six years out from a pandemic that transcended borders in record speed, Trump is abandoning global cooperation, and it makes all of us less safe. Illinois will continue to work with trusted partners to protect lives and follow the science.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore: “Preserving a global approach to public health will help ensure that we are better prepared to respond to emerging public health threats. Outbreaks and disease know no border; we have a sacred responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul: “Withdrawing from the World Health Organization is wildly irresponsible and puts Americans’ health at risk. This reckless move endangers New Yorkers and all Americans. That’s why we’re stepping up through the Public Health Alliance to coordinate across states, protect vaccine access and ensure everyone has the resources they need and deserve to stay safe. When Washington fails, New York will always lead to protect public health.”
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein: “In the wake of the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization, it’s more important than ever that states step up and work together to safeguard against global health threats. We all benefit from cooperation to prevent illness and disease, and here in North Carolina we’re committed to doing the critical coordination required to keep people and communities safe and healthy.”
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek: “Oregon’s economy is deeply connected to trade, travel, and commerce across borders, which makes global public health cooperation not optional, but essential. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization is a reckless step that weakens our ability to anticipate and respond to health threats that can disrupt supply chains, businesses, and livelihoods here at home. Oregon is committed to protecting public health, supporting science-based coordination, and continuing to work with trusted partners around the world however we can. Public health is a shared responsibility, and Oregon will not step back from it.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee: “We’ve proven time and again that when the federal government falls short on protecting public health, Rhode Island steps up. Withdrawing from this international health agency is reckless and short-sighted. The World Health Organization is essential to coordinating responses to new health threats, and we have a responsibility to stay engaged. Even as the federal government steps back, governors are ready to continue working together to protect the health of our residents.”
Here’s what Dr. Raj Panjabi, PHA Advisor and former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense, said:
“Global disease threats don’t recognize borders, and neither can our public health response. International surveillance and information-sharing are not abstract concepts, they are practical tools states rely on to detect outbreaks, respond quickly, and protect communities. Withdrawing from these systems weakens our collective ability to prepare for and respond to emerging threats.”
###
About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to share best practices, reinforce scientific integrity, and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information. To learn more, go to www.govsforhealth.org.
About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.