Polis Condemns U.S. WHO Exit, Pledges Colorado Will Step Up Disease Surveillance

Governor Jared Polis condemned the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization on Jan. 22, warning it undermines disease surveillance and leaves Americans vulnerable. Colorado will step up its role in the Governors' Public Health Alliance, a bipartisan coalition coordinating disease response across states.

"The United States leaving the World Health Organization is a step back from global leadership, and is a reckless decision that weakens public health preparedness and puts American lives at risk," Polis said. "Disease doesn't stop at state or national borders."

The WHO withdrawal eliminates a key early-warning system that Colorado and other states have relied on to detect infectious disease outbreaks before they reach U.S. communities. According to public health officials, outbreaks can spread to American populations in days rather than months, making rapid information-sharing among states critical to public health response.

The Governors' Public Health Alliance brings together governors committed to coordinating public health responses across state lines. "Governors have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of our residents," Polis said. "Through GPHA working with other governors, Colorado is stepping up to share information, coordinate across other state governments, and ensure we are ready to detect and respond to emerging health threats."

States need to work together quickly to respond to outbreaks that threaten communities, particularly as federal coordination mechanisms shift.

"Through the Governors' Public Health Alliance, Colorado remains committed to science-driven coordination and preparedness to safeguard public health, regardless of shifting federal policy," Polis said.