Argentine President Javier Milei announced the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization, citing disagreements over health policies and concerns about political influence from member states. The move follows critiques of the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and aligns with the U.S. withdrawal, reflecting a significant shift in Argentina’s international health policy approach.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni announced that Argentina will withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing significant differences over health policies and political influence from certain member states. President Javier Milei has directed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to execute the withdrawal, emphasizing Argentina’s desire to maintain sovereignty over health matters. This decision follows critiques of the WHO’s management during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly under the previous government.
Mr. Adorni noted that Argentina’s withdrawal will lead to increased flexibility in implementing health policies that cater specifically to the country’s needs, thus reaffirming its commitment to sovereignty in health affairs. He highlighted that the previous administration’s prolonged lockdown was influenced by the WHO’s guidelines, which he criticized as lacking independence from political pressures.
This announcement comes in the wake of the United States’ own decision to withdraw from the WHO, ordered by former President Donald Trump due to dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the pandemic. Milei has been a vocal supporter of Trump, indicating a shared ideological stance.
The WHO has expressed regret over the U.S. withdrawal, which is set to take effect at the end of January 2026, and hopes for reconsideration. Argentina’s exit from the WHO signifies a regional shift as it aligns itself with the U.S. approach to international health organizations, advocating for greater autonomy.
The implications of Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO will likely impact future health policy and international cooperation within the region, especially amid ongoing discussions regarding the global handling of health crises. This move raises questions about the effectiveness and influence of international health governance, particularly in light of past controversies surrounding health management during global emergencies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) serves as the international agency for public health, coordinating global responses to health emergencies and disease outbreaks. Recent events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have sparked debates over the effectiveness and autonomy of the WHO in managing global health issues. Countries have scrutinized the organization’s recommendations and the political influence certain nations hold over its decisions, leading to significant political repercussions and reflectively influencing national health policies. In Latin America, Argentina’s former president, Alberto Fernández, implemented strict health measures that included extended lockdowns during the pandemic, which drew criticism for their impact on the economy and citizens’ rights. In contrast, the current president, Javier Milei, has promised to pivot towards policies that emphasize sovereignty and align more closely with the political climate associated with the Trump administration in the U.S. This strategic withdrawal could signal a shift in how Argentina interacts with global health governance moving forward.
Argentina’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization reflects broader tensions surrounding national sovereignty and international health governance. President Javier Milei’s administration seeks to establish more independence in crafting health policies tailored to the country’s specific needs. This move parallels the United States’ prior withdrawal from the WHO, indicating a potential realignment of like-minded nations in their approach to health governance. As global health challenges persist, the effectiveness of such withdrawals will be closely monitored.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
