Argentina withdraws from WHO due to profound differences

Argentina has officially decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) following a directive from President Javier Milei. This decision was publicly announced during a news conference in Buenos Aires and is attributed to what officials describe as 'profound differences' with the U.N. agency regarding health management, particularly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic. A spokesperson for the president, Manuel Adorni, articulated that the WHO's guidelines resulted in extensive shutdowns globally, which they termed as the largest in history. Milei's administration views the WHO's intervention as an infringement on Argentina's sovereignty, especially regarding the country’s health policies. The move reflects a broader critique from Milei, who has been a vocal opponent of the lockdown measures imposed by his predecessor, former President Alberto Fernandez. He condemned those measures for their adverse impact on the economy and the perceived use of lockdowns as a mechanism of repression. The administration has also pointed out that Argentina will not be influenced by an international body in decisions that pertain to its sovereignty, especially in the context of health management. Initially, the government refrained from participating in a WHO agreement for pandemic management, believing it would compromise national sovereignty. As a result, this latest decision is also a continuation of that stance, emphasizing Milei's commitment to curtail any perceived foreign interventions. The withdrawal is significant as it potentially weakens global health collaborations, despite Argentina contributing a relatively small financial amount to WHO's budget, estimated at $8 million. Milei's decision draws parallels to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from WHO, signaling a continued trend among right-wing leaders who share similar views on the organization’s governance and influence. As Argentina prepares for Milei's anticipated visit to the U.S., coinciding with the Conservative Political Action Conference summit, the implications of this withdrawal could resonate in broader discussions about the future roles of international health organizations. The Argentine government remains committed to crafting policies that better fit its national interests and health requirements moving forward.