SACRAMENTO — California has become the first state to join a World Health Organization network that tracks and responds to global health emergencies. Officials announced the move Friday, making California the only U.S. participant in the Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network.

The move follows a meeting in Switzerland earlier this month. There, Governor Gavin Newsom met with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the World Economic Forum. According to a state press release, they discussed strategies for detecting and responding to emerging health threats. California joined the group to stay prepared for health crises after the United States left the WHO.

Modernizing Health Systems

This partnership is part of the state’s plan to update how it handles health crises. In December 2025, California launched the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange, a program meant to help health departments share information and technology more effectively.

California recruited several advisors to help leaders make decisions based on the latest science. These include former federal health officials Dr. Susan Monarez and Dr. Debra Houry, as well as Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, a scientist who studies how diseases spread.

Multi-State Alliances

California has also established new alliances with other states and territories over the past several months. In October 2025, Newsom and 14 other governors formed the Governors Public Health Alliance. This group includes leaders from both political parties who work together to coordinate emergency plans and share data across 15 states and territories.

Additionally, California joined Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington in 2025 to form the West Coast Health Alliance. The group aims to create consistent health guidelines for the region. In September 2025, the alliance released shared recommendations for 2025-26 winter vaccines, including COVID-19, the flu, and RSV, which is a common respiratory virus.

Independent Medical Advice

The state has also changed how it receives medical recommendations. In September 2025, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 144. This law lets the state use vaccine advice from independent medical groups instead of relying solely on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

State officials said these combined moves will help California respond to future health crises on its own while staying connected to global health tracking.