New York City joins UN health network after Trump’s withdrawal from WHO

February 5, 2026 - 22:08

In a significant move asserting local public health priorities, New York City has formally joined a United Nations health network. This decision comes as a direct response to the recent withdrawal of the United States federal government from the World Health Organization.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced the city's membership in the UN-backed Partnership for Healthy Cities. This global network, supported by the World Health Organization, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Vital Strategies, is dedicated to combating noncommunicable diseases and preventing injuries. By joining, New York commits to implementing at least one of the partnership's proven technical interventions aimed at safeguarding urban populations.

City health officials emphasized that this affiliation will enhance local efforts to tackle critical issues like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. The partnership facilitates the sharing of data, strategies, and best practices among over 70 major cities worldwide. This step allows New York to maintain an international collaborative approach to public health, ensuring its policies remain informed by global standards and innovations, despite the shift in federal policy. The city's leadership views this as essential for protecting the well-being of its diverse population of over eight million residents.