Argentina plans to withdraw from the WHO due to dissatisfaction with its handling of COVID-19, following the lead of former US President Trump. President Javier Milei has ordered actions to formalize this exit, asserting that international organizations should not compromise national sovereignty, particularly in health matters.
Argentina has announced its intent to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), attributing this decision to dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. This follows similar sentiments expressed by former US President Donald Trump, who also opted to exit the UN health body. Spokesman Manuel Adorni confirmed that President Javier Milei instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to facilitate the withdrawal. The Milei administration emphasizes that it refuses to allow any international body to infringe on Argentina’s sovereignty or health policies.
Throughout the pandemic, Argentina implemented stringent measures, including extended curfews, to mitigate the spread of the virus. These restrictions were among the most extensive worldwide, allowing residents to leave their homes only for essential services. President Javier Milei’s decision to withdraw from the WHO is seen as a continuation of a populist agenda focused on asserting national autonomy, particularly in health matters. President Milei took office in December 2023 and has since aligned Argentina’s policies with those of the US regarding international health governance.
The backdrop of Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO is rooted in growing skepticism towards international health guidelines, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics have accused the WHO of inadequately addressing the pandemic response, which has led several nations, including the US under Trump, to question their membership. Argentina’s response to the pandemic included some of the world’s strictest lockdown measures, reflecting a strong governmental stance on public health that the new administration now seeks to reaffirm by distancing itself from the WHO. The political context is significant, as Milei’s leadership signals a shift towards more national control over health policy and a populist approach that prioritizes local governance over international cooperation. This decision highlights broader trends in global health politics, where individual nations weigh the benefits of existing international partnerships against the desire for autonomy.
In summary, Argentina’s decision to exit the WHO, announced by President Javier Milei’s administration, reflects a broader discontent with international health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move aligns Argentina with former US sentiments under Trump and emphasizes a nationalistic approach to health governance, focusing on local autonomy and sovereignty. The implications of this withdrawal could influence not only Argentina’s public health policies but also its future engagement with global health organizations.
Original Source: punchng.com
