The Hawaii Department of Health announced on Apr. 8 that it has joined the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, an international partnership established by the World Health Organization to strengthen responses to public health emergencies.
This development is significant because GOARN brings together more than 300 technical institutions and networks worldwide, providing rapid, coordinated technical assistance for disease outbreaks, food safety issues, and zoonosis. The collaboration aims to enhance Hawaii’s capacity to detect and respond to emerging health threats both locally and in the broader Pacific region.
Governor Josh Green said, “The state of Hawaiʻi recognizes the importance of global coordination in detecting and responding to emerging public health threats. As a premier international travel destination, Hawaiʻi occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of Asia, the Pacific, and the continental United States. It is certainly in Hawaiʻi’s interest to help safeguard the health and well-being of our neighbors and frequent visitors to our islands.”
According to its official website, the Hawaii State Department of Health operates as a public health agency focused on delivering comprehensive services for health, environmental protection, disease prevention and community wellness across the state. The department contributes to community well-being by promoting health education on vaccination and disease outbreaks through its Disease Outbreak Control Division according to its official website. It also aims to safeguard residents’ health through efforts in disease prevention, promotion initiatives, environmental protection programs per its official website, and extends services via offices across multiple islands as outlined on its official site.
Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of DOH said: “We welcome the opportunity to become a member of GOARN. This will allow us to be more informed about potential threats in order to better protect the health for residents and visitors in the state and to offer our assistance when needed, particularly to others in the Pacific.”
The department is recognized for providing public health preparedness through its Office of Public Health Preparedness which coordinates planning for disasters or epidemics as detailed online. The leadership team includes a director supported by deputy directors who manage key programs within DOH as noted online.
DOH was notified about joining GOARN on March 19. For further details about GOARN’s mission or membership information can be found at https://goarn.who.int/
By participating in this global network alongside other technical organizations around the world, Hawaii strengthens both local readiness as well as regional cooperation against future public health emergencies.
