California announced on Friday that it will be the first U.S. state to join the World Health Organization’s global outbreak response network, following the “Trump” administration’s decision to withdraw Washington from the organization.
The network consists of more than 360 technical institutions and works to respond to public health emergencies by sending staff and resources to affected countries.
The network has dealt with many major public health events, including the “COVID-19” pandemic.
California’s decision to join the network comes more than a year after U.S. President “Donald Trump” announced his intention to withdraw Washington from the World Health Organization. Last Thursday, Washington formally withdrew from the agency, declaring that its decision reflects shortcomings in the organization’s management of the pandemic.
“Reckless” decision
California Governor “Gavin Newsom” criticized the United States’ decision today, describing it as “reckless” and harmful to many people.
In a statement, “Newsom” added: “California will not bear the consequences of the chaos that this decision will cause. We will continue to strengthen partnerships around the world and remain at the forefront of public health preparedness, including through our membership as the only state in the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.”
The governor’s office noted that he met with the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. “Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus”, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week, where they discussed cooperation in detecting and responding to emerging public health threats.
The World Health Organization did not immediately respond when contacted for comment.
