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Colorado seeks to join WHO Outbreak Response Network
ColoradoBiz Staff //February 13, 2026//
DENVER — Colorado plans to pursue membership in the World Health Organization‘s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network following the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO, Gov. Jared Polis announced.
In Brief:
- Colorado will pursue membership in the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.
- Move follows the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization.
- Participation would expand access to global outbreak alerts and research data.
- State will contribute expertise in epidemiology, genomic sequencing and wastewater surveillance.
State officials said participation would allow Colorado public health agencies to access international outbreak alerts, research data and technical support related to infectious disease monitoring and response.
“We want to learn from health science around the world to help make sure Coloradans can get the most advanced and effective treatments for diseases,” Polis said. “Disease does not stop at borders, and preparedness depends on timely information and partnerships.”
The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network is a WHO-coordinated partnership of more than 360 public health institutions, laboratories and response organizations focused on detecting and responding to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
Colorado officials said joining the network would expand the state’s access to real-time outbreak information and strengthen coordination with international response teams. The state would also contribute expertise in epidemiology, laboratory science, genomic sequencing and wastewater surveillance.
“Infectious diseases can emerge anywhere and spread quickly,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer. “Access to coordinated global surveillance and rapid technical collaboration helps us identify risks sooner and respond with precision.”
Colorado officials said the move follows the state’s participation in the Governors’ Public Health Alliance, a coalition formed to improve interstate coordination and public health preparedness. The alliance is working with Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases to share disease tracking data and coordinate responses to emerging threats.
State officials said collaboration with national and international partners is intended to strengthen early warning systems and support public health planning.
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