Washington DOH accepted into the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network

Washington is the fifth state health department to join the global response network WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (WHO GOARN) since the United States withdrew from World Health Organization in January 2026.

The network plays a key role in coordinating responses to urgent global health threats. Participation connects Washington with a global community of experts who prioritize collaboration and rely on proven science and best practices to respond quickly and effectively.

By working together, partners can share resources, expand their reach and advance common goals with DOH to improve health outcomes locally, statewide, nationally and around the world. WSHA and its members relied heavily on WHO information during the COVID pandemic and congratulates DOH on this innovative effort to protect the health of Washingtonians. (Cassie Sauer)