Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Department of Health has joined the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). The partnership is intended to strengthen global preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks. The announcement also noted the relevance of international collaboration, following the United States’ earlier withdrawal from the WHO during the Trump administration.
Governor Kathy Hochul said that by joining GOARN, New York will provide its expertise, laboratory resources, and workforce to support global outbreak detection and response, while helping prevent health threats from reaching the state and the United States, according to a statement from the Governor’s office. The state’s participation in GOARN reflects an effort to strengthen health security following past concerns about coordination between state and federal response systems.
The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) is made up of more than 300 institutions worldwide that work to ensure rapid detection and response to public health threats. Coordinated by the World Health Organization, the network provides technical expertise, laboratory capacity, and operational coordination. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald noted the state’s commitment to timely, coordinated responses to public health emergencies. He stated that through the partnership, New York will share expertise, provide laboratory support, enhance infection control, and assist in managing public health emergencies globally.
New York's participation in GOARN is expected to provide earlier access to outbreak information and enhance workforce skills through practical experience. The initiative is also anticipated to strengthen the state’s laboratory and surveillance capabilities, improving preparedness against emerging and re-emerging public health threats. With facilities such as the Wadsworth Center, New York State can offer advanced diagnostic testing, genomic sequencing, and antimicrobial resistance monitoring to support GOARN activities internationally. Additionally, Governor Hochul signed an executive order last year to provide all New Yorkers access to the updated 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine.
In October 2025, Governor Hochul joined the Governors Public Health Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition focused on protecting public health and fostering connections among state governors, public health officials, and the global health community. In January, the State Health Department, in coordination with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, endorsed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2026 immunization schedule, which provides protection against 18 preventable diseases.
