The United States is facing a critical global health moment. An active Ebola outbreak, combined with other emerging infectious disease threats, underscores the urgent need for strong international coordination and real-time information sharing.
At the same time, the U.S. remains disengaged from the World Health Organization (WHO), limiting access to the global surveillance data, outbreak alerts, and coordinated guidance that hospitals and healthcare systems depend on to respond effectively.
This challenge is especially urgent as the United States prepares to host large-scale international mass gatherings in the coming months. These events will bring millions of travelers into communities across the country, increasing the importance of early detection, global situational awareness, and coordinated response strategies.
Without full engagement in WHO, the United States faces:
•	Delayed access to critical global public health intelligence
•	Reduced coordination with international partners during outbreaks
•	Greater uncertainty for hospitals and healthcare systems preparing for infectious threats
•	A diminished role in shaping global health policy and response strategies
Healthcare epidemiologists and infectious disease experts rely on timely, credible international data to guide screening, triage, infection prevention, and patient care. Even small delays in information during fast-moving outbreaks like Ebola can have serious consequences.
Rejoining the WHO will strengthen outbreak response, improve preparedness for mass gatherings, and better protect patients, healthcare workers, and communities across the United States.
Use this form to urge your Members of Congress to support U.S. reengagement with the WHO.

Urge Congress to Rejoin the WHO to Strengthen the Ebola Response

On behalf of infectious disease and healthcare epidemiology professionals, I urge you to take immediate action to support U.S. reengagement with the World Health Organization (WHO). In the face of the ongoing Ebola outbreak and other emerging infectious disease threats, restoring U.S. participation in the WHO is essential to protect public health both in the U.S. and abroad.

The United States is currently preparing for major international mass gatherings, including events associated with the upcoming World Cup across North America. These gatherings will bring millions of travelers from diverse regions into U.S. communities. Healthcare systems and public health entities rely on timely global information, coordinated guidance, and aligned response strategies to prepare for and manage these risks effectively.

However, since withdrawing from the WHO, the United States has:
•	Reduced access to real-time global surveillance data and outbreak alerts, limiting our ability to detect and respond early to infectious threats like Ebola.
•	Lost alignment with international guidance on emerging pathogens, making it more difficult to implement consistent, evidence-based screening, triage, and infection control practices.
•	Weakened coordination with global partners, increasing fragmentation in outbreak response and complicating efforts to contain diseases at their source.

The WHO plays a central role in coordinating global surveillance, standardizing case definitions and testing strategies, and facilitating rapid information sharing across countries. Without direct engagement, U.S. public health and healthcare systems must rely on delayed or incomplete information, creating unnecessary risks during fast-moving outbreaks.

These challenges have direct consequences for healthcare readiness in the United States. Hospitals depend on accurate, real-time national and international data to guide decisions on screening protocols, personal protective equipment, isolation policies, and risk assessments for travel-associated infections. Delays or gaps in this information can hinder preparedness and response, especially during evolving outbreaks like Ebola.

Additionally, WHO membership ensures the United States has a strong voice in shaping global health priorities, response strategies, and preparedness efforts. Without that seat at the table, the U.S. forfeits influence over decisions that directly impact our national health security.

Importantly, strengthening outbreak response abroad helps prevent the spread of disease at home. Investments in coordinated global health efforts reduce the likelihood that outbreaks escalate into larger threats affecting Americans.

Rejoining the WHO would:
•	Restore access to critical global surveillance and early warning systems
•	Strengthen coordination and consistency in outbreak response
•	Enhance preparedness for mass gatherings and international travel
•	Reestablish U.S. leadership in global health
•	Improve protection for the American public

Pandemics and outbreaks do not respect borders. The United States cannot effectively address global health threats in isolation. 

I urge you to support policies and actions that restore U.S. participation in the World Health Organization as soon as possible.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to protecting public health and the safety of all Americans.