[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDoctors for AmericaPO Box: 211612300 18th St NW LbbyWashington, DC 20009-9996February 4, 2026

DFA's Statement on President Trump's Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Doctors for America (DFA) calls on leaders at all levels, including President Trump, to prioritize the health of Americans over politics and reverse the decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). As physicians and medical students, we are deeply concerned that this action threatens our ability to protect our nation from emerging health threats and puts everyone at risk.One year ago, President Trump put executive orders in place to withdraw from the WHO and last week this became a reality. Doctors for America strongly opposed this action last year and released a statement calling on leaders at all levels to come together to reverse this decision. We are deeply disheartened that the administration moved forward with this decision. Withdrawal from the WHO will lead to disruption of the flow of vital information and resources essential for combating global health threats such as infectious diseases outbreaks and pandemics, tracking emerging diseases, and optimizing vaccine distribution. Moreover, the voice of United States scientists and leaders will now be absent from worldwide health discussions. In the absence of federal leadership, states must step forward to protect public health. We support the actions of Governor Newson in California and Governor Pritzker of Illinois, who joined the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN), becoming the first two states to do so. California and Illinois’ actions demonstrate that meaningful engagement in global health collaboration remains possible and necessary. We urge other state leaders to follow their example and join GOARN. As healthcare professionals, we rely on timely, accurate, and evidence-based information to respond to emerging health challenges. Limiting access to international public health data creates an information void; eroding trust, hindering transparency, and leaving us ill-prepared to address the health challenges that affect every individual in this country. Doctors for America calls on leaders at every level—local, state, and federal—to recognize the grave implications of this decision. Public health must transcend political affiliations. We urge leaders to support the WHO and follow California’s lead and join WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network.

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About Doctors for AmericaDoctors for America (DFA) is a national nonprofit that mobilizes over 40,000 physicians and medical trainees to advocate for policies that improve the health of patients and communities. Through advocacy training and action at the state and federal levels, DFA works to expand access to affordable care, strengthen community health and prevention efforts, and advance health justice and equity. We do not accept funding from pharmaceutical, insurance, or for-profit health care entities, ensuring our work remains fiercely independent and patient-centered. DFA puts patients over politics—and over profits. Find out more at doctorsforamerica.org and Bluesky drsforamerica.bsky.social.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]