Following US Withdrawal, Argentina Announces to Leave WHO

Argentina President Javier Milei has announced withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) citing similar concerns over the WHO’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, just 2 weeks after US President Donald Trump reaffirmed its departure from the global health body. Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni confirmed the decision to the reporters, emphasizing Argentina's deep differences in health management, especially during the pandemic. Adding he also said that Argentina wouldn't allow an international body to interfere in their sovereignty.

Argentina justified its withdrawal, accusing the organization for promoting the longest lockdown in the history of humanity, being influenced by political forces, and strict measures imposed that led to economic consequences without sufficient scientific justification

Adorni said that Argentina’s departure will not result in a loss of organization funding, as it contributes approximately just 0.11% of the WHO’s total budget. However, in the 2024/25 cycle, Argentina has not made any financial contributions (of around $8.25 million) to the WHO. In December 2023, Milei launched a strict economic campaign consisting of cost-control policies, to eliminate Argentina's budget deficit which has increased the country's poverty rate.

Mirroring Trump’s move last month, Adorni addressed that this decision has allowed Argentina to implement policies with greater flexibility to the local context, ensuring the availability of resources.  President Milei, who describes himself as "anarcho-capitalist", has been an admirer of Trump, whose withdrawal from WHO has left a large financial deficit in the organization. 

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Disha Merlyn Mathias/MSM)