Statement from State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald on Impact to New York State Regarding Exit from World Health Organization

Albany, N.Y. (January 23, 2026) - "The decision by the current administration to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) is the latest troubling development from federal policymakers. While there is no immediate impact to New Yorkers, this decision could increase medium- and long-term threats to the state. We face increased risks from travel-related exposure to illnesses like polio and measles, we lose the benefit of coordinated efforts to immunize global populations, and we lose access to global disease monitoring and reporting.

"One of the earliest concepts I learned in medical school is, 'What you don't know, you don't know can kill your patient.' This concept highlights the importance of vigilance, perseverance and attentiveness to my patients, values I hold dear to this day. By exiting the WHO, our nation has chosen ignorance.

"As we know, New York State is at a higher risk because of our unique role as a gateway to the world. New York has strong immunization requirements, wastewater detection infrastructure and the ability to address outbreaks rapidly. New York also monitors global outbreaks closely through https://globalhealthreports.health.ny.gov/.

"We will continue to strengthen those efforts but make no mistake: Exiting the WHO is penny wise and pound foolish."