The Illinois governor, JB Pritzker, has announced that his state will join the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), following Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the global body in 2025.

Pritzker, a Democrat, made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming that Illinois will become part of the coordinated international network dedicated to monitoring and responding to global disease outbreaks.

"By withdrawing from the World Health Organization, Donald Trump has undermined science and weakened our nation's ability to detect and respond to global health threats. I refuse to sit idly by and let that happen," Pritzker said.

He added: "By joining the World Health Organization's coordinated network, GOARN, we are ensuring that our public health leaders - and the public - have the information, expertise and partnerships they need to protect the people of our state. Across our state and alongside valued partners around the world, Illinois will continue to put science, preparedness and people first."

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