Trump pulled U.S. out of World Health Organization. Kathy's bill would allow Rhode to get back in
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Under the terms of the bill (2026-H 8365A), the department would be authorized to
participate in a Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, which is an
international collaboration coordinated by the World Health Organization for
the purpose of disease surveillance and outbreak response.
“The U.S. officially withdrew from the World Health
Organization on Jan. 22, 2026 because of an executive order from the president,
which I found to be reprehensible,” said Representative Fogarty. “The impact of
this withdrawal has repercussions on infectious disease surveillance, pandemic
planning and vaccine initiatives. This bill would allow the Department of
Health to participate in international public health collaboration networks for
the safety and welfare of all Rhode Islanders.”
The department would also be permitted to enter into
agreements with federal agencies, international organizations, academic
institutions and public health authorities, as well as participate in training
programs, data-sharing initiatives and technical assistance programs.
Dr. Jerome M. Larkin, director of the Department of Health,
testified in support of the legislation, telling the House Committee on Health
and Human Services, “The Rhode Island Department of Health does not already
engage in these activities because the United States is no longer a member of
the World Health Organization, so participating in GOARN allows the department
to have better visibility of what is happening globally with infectious disease
so we can continue to help keep Rhode Islanders safe.”
The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.
