Wisconsin Joins WHO’s Global Outbreak Response Network

Last week, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, during his 2026 State of the State address, announced that in the coming weeks, he will sign an executive order affirming that his state will join the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). Joining state partners like Illinois, California, and New York along with New York City, Wisconsin will aid GOARN in its work to coordinate the dispersal of information and resources in response to global public health emergencies. 

This growing coalition comes amid recent news that, as of January, the U.S. had officially separated from WHO, following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw last year, undoing nearly a century of collaboration between the U.S. and world leaders on issues of global health and safety.

In addition, to further strengthen Wisconsin’s ability to address public health needs, the state will also be joining a coalition of 15 governors in the Governor’s Public Health Alliance to bring Wisconsin into the fold of the alliance’s work to improve preparedness, coordination, and access to critical health resources nationwide.

“Folks, public health isn’t a partisan issue, and it isn’t up for debate,” Evers said during his speech. “And real lives are at stake if we fail to listen. It’s why, in the coming weeks, I’ll sign an executive order to have Wisconsin join the World Health Organization’s Global Response Network. We must do what we can to keep our kids, our families, and our communities healthy and safe. …”

By joining GOARN, Wisconsin is strengthening public health systems, enhancing local preparedness, and bolstering international partnerships by gaining access to:

• Timely and direct access to global early-warning alerts, outbreak intelligence, and data sharing. 
• International trainings, including outbreak response scenario training.
• Opportunities for technical collaboration, operational research, and surge support during major public health events.
• Stronger coordination between state-level public health systems and global response efforts.