Illinois joins World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network

(WAND) - Governor JB Pritzker announced Tuesday the State of Illinois is joining the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.

The network is dedicated to monitoring and responding to global disease outbreaks.

President Trump withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization.

"By withdrawing from the World Health Organization, Donald Trump has undermined science and weakened our nation's ability to detect and respond to global health threats," Governor Pritzker said. "I refuse to sit idly by and let that happen. By joining the World Health Organization's coordinated network, GOARN, we are ensuring that our public health leaders - and the public - have the information, expertise, and partnerships they need to protect the people of our state. Across our state and alongside valued partners around the world, Illinois will continue to put science, preparedness, and people first."

GOARN is a WHO-coordinated worldwide partnership of hundreds of public health institutions, national governments, academic centers, laboratories, and response organizations focused on detecting and responding to emerging public health threats.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said, "Disease knows no borders, and Illinois is taking decisive steps to strengthen our preparedness. "Joining the World Health Organization's GOARN connects us to global experts, rapid alerts, and real-time intelligence, essential tools for preventing and managing outbreaks."

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