1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I urge you to support Texas joining and collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) through its technical networks and public health partnerships. Infectious diseases do not stop at state or national borders, and access to global surveillance, laboratory expertise, and outbreak coordination strengthens preparedness for everyone. Texas continues to face significant maternal and infant health challenges. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, infant mortality is defined as the death of a child before reaching one year of age. The state tracks leading causes of infant death including congenital malformations, complications related to short gestation and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), maternal complications of pregnancy, and unintentional injuries. (healthdata.dshs.texas.gov (https://healthdata.dshs.texas.gov/dashboard/maternal-and-child-health/infant-health/infant-mortality-and-morbidity?lv=true&utm_source=chatgpt.com)) The CDC reports Texas's infant mortality rate at approximately 5.7 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, higher than many peer nations. (CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/states/tx.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Organizations like the WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) help governments, laboratories, universities, and public health institutions detect, assess, and respond to disease outbreaks. Participation in international public health collaboration is a practical investment in protecting Texans from emerging health threats. I encourage you to support policies that strengthen Texas's public health infrastructure, expand collaboration with international health experts, and prioritize evidence-based measures that improve maternal, infant, and community health.