Argentina Announces Withdrawal from the World Health Organization: What It Means for Global Health

Argentina is set to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision comes shortly after a similar move by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to spokesperson Manuel Adorni, President Javier Milei instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to end Argentina’s participation in the WHO. Adorni stressed, “We Argentinians will not allow any international organization to interfere in our sovereignty, especially concerning our health.”

Milei views Trump as an ideological ally. Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO on his first day back in office, stating that the organization mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant criticism from public health experts.

Adorni explained that Argentina’s decision stems from deep disagreements over health management, particularly during the pandemic. He noted that Argentina endured one of the longest lockdowns in history, claiming there was a lack of independence from political influences within the WHO.

A statement from Argentina’s presidential office accused the WHO of causing economic hardship during the pandemic by promoting extended quarantines. They called for a reevaluation of why international organizations exist, highlighting concerns over their effectiveness and influence over member states.

Trump also criticized the WHO in his January executive order, citing its failure to handle the pandemic effectively and its susceptibility to political pressure from member nations.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed regret over the U.S. withdrawal, emphasizing that the United States benefits greatly from its contributions to the agency.

Adorni mentioned that although the WHO operates in Argentina, the country does not receive funding from the organization for health management. Thus, the withdrawal will not affect any financial resources or the quality of services provided in Argentina.

He believes that this step will offer greater flexibility to implement policies that align with Argentina’s interests and enhance resource allocation for health.

This move aligns with Argentina’s ambitions to establish greater sovereignty in health matters.

The WHO was established in 1948 to safeguard global health. Its founding members recognized that unequal health systems pose a common risk. Today, the organization operates in over 150 countries, focusing on universal health coverage and coordinating responses to various health emergencies, including outbreaks of diseases like yellow fever, cholera, and Ebola.

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