Examining the Intentions of the US and Argentina to Withdraw from the WHO

The United States announced its withdrawal from the WHO under Trump in 2017, citing biases and ineffective use of funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden administration reversed this decision, yet Trump remains critical of the organization. Argentina’s Javier Milei recently declared a similar intention to withdraw, denouncing the WHO’s handling of health crises and outside political influences.

The United States, historically the largest financial contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed its intention to withdraw from the organization on January 20, 2017, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The administration cited major concerns, including perceived favoritism towards China and allegations that the WHO downplayed the COVID-19 pandemic’s severity and hesitated to declare a global health emergency. The U.S. government further contended that its financial contributions were not being utilized effectively.

After six months of discussions regarding the withdrawal, the Biden administration opted to abandon the exit plan established by Trump’s administration. Nevertheless, Trump has remained vocally critical of the WHO and maintained a position advocating for withdrawal. Recently, Argentina’s President Javier Milei announced his country’s plan to follow suit, revealing intentions to exit the WHO due to its handling of health crises, particularly regarding COVID-19.

Monitored closely by the international community, Milei’s spokesperson Manuel Adorni articulated the decision, citing significant disparities in health policy management and a perceived lack of autonomy from the influence of other nation-states. This decision highlights a growing skepticism among political leaders towards the WHO’s operational independence and effectiveness in global health governance.

The discussion regarding the withdrawal of the United States and Argentina from the WHO unfolds against the backdrop of global health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Trump, concerns escalated regarding the WHO’s relationship with China and its decisions during a crucial time of public health crises. With Argentina’s new leadership sympathetic to Trump’s approach, similar sentiments have resurfaced regarding WHO’s efficacy and impartiality in global health management. This context accentuates the significant impacts political dynamics have on international health organizations.

The announcements by both the United States and Argentina regarding their intentions to withdraw from the WHO spotlight a rising skepticism towards global health governance. The criticisms focus on perceived biases and inefficiencies within the organization, fueled by political relationships and the handling of urgent health issues, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As two nations distance themselves from the WHO, the implications for international health policy will necessitate careful scrutiny going forward.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com

About Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen has a rich background in multimedia journalism, having worked for several prominent news organizations across Asia and North America. His unique ability to bridge cultural gaps enables him to report on global issues with sensitivity and insight. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, and has reported from conflict zones, bringing forth stories that resonate with readers worldwide.

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