Argentina Announces Plan to Withdraw from WHO
The Argentine government, led by President Javier Milei, has announced its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing fundamental disagreements over health policies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A spokesman for President Milei stated that Argentina’s decision to exit the WHO was driven by deep differences regarding health management, especially during the pandemic. The move comes just weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the United States’ withdrawal from the global health body.
The two leaders have publicly expressed admiration for one another, with Milei hailing Trump’s re-election as the greatest political comeback in history, while Trump referred to his Argentine counterpart as “my favorite president.”
President Milei’s decision appears to align closely with the reasoning behind the U.S. withdrawal. Both governments have voiced concerns over the WHO’s handling of the pandemic, with Argentina’s lockdown policies being a point of contention, and accusations of excessive Chinese influence over the organization.
While the financial impact of Argentina’s departure will be minimal, its annual contribution to the WHO is approximately $8 million, leaving a significant gap in funding. The U.S., the WHO’s largest single donor, contributes around $950 million annually, nearly 15% of the total budget. This move raises questions about the organization’s financial future and global standing.
Speaking at a news conference, presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni reaffirmed the government’s not to allow an international body to interfere with our sovereignty, and even less with our health.” Adorni added that leaving the WHO would give Argentina greater flexibility to implement health policies tailored to its national interests and manage resources independently.
