Argentina on Wednesday officially announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that President Javier Milei’s administration says is rooted in “profound differences” with the international health body, particularly in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After US, Argentina Announces To Withdraw From WHO
Spokesperson Manuel Adorni outlined the government’s concerns, emphasising that WHO’s pandemic response, including its guidelines, led to what he described as the largest shutdown “in the history of mankind.”
This move echoes actions taken by US President Donald Trump, who, in his first days back in office last month, began the process of withdrawing the United States from the WHO. Trump cited the same concerns about the agency’s pandemic response and its reliance on political pressures.
President Milei instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to withdraw Argentina’s participation in the World Health Organization, Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni said at a news conference.
“We Argentinians will not allow an international organization to intervene in our sovereignty, much less in our health,” he said.
Adorni outlined the government’s concerns, emphasising that WHO’s pandemic response, including its guidelines, led to what he described as the largest shutdown “in the history of mankind.” He also criticised the political influence of certain member countries within the organization, although he did not specify which nations.
According to Adorni, Argentina believes that WHO’s lack of independence jeopardises the country’s sovereignty, particularly in health matters, and that no international body should intervene in the nation’s decision-making.
Adorni stated that the withdrawal would grant Argentina greater flexibility in shaping domestic health policies and provide more control over the resources it allocates to public health. “We will no longer allow an international organization to dictate our health management,” he asserted.
Argentina’s departure from the WHO raises questions about the future of global health cooperation. The WHO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, is tasked with coordinating responses to international health crises, such as outbreaks of new diseases and persistent global health threats like AIDS, Ebola, and mpox.
President Milei, a right-wing leader who has championed deep cuts to government spending, has suggested that withdrawing from the WHO is part of his broader plan to extricate Argentina from what he views as unnecessary international entanglements. This includes not only the WHO but also potential exits from other global accords, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, according to local media reports.
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(With agency inputs)
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