Argentina will withdraw from the World Health Organization, following the U.S. move, citing disagreements over pandemic management and sovereignty concerns. Spokesman Manuel Adorni criticized the WHO for its handling of lockdowns and claimed that exiting the organization would allow Argentina more flexibility in policy implementation. The country aims to avoid dependency on WHO funding and has a history of opposition to its protocols.
On Wednesday, Argentina announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following a similar move by the United States. President Javier Milei’s spokesperson cited significant disagreements with the WHO’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized that Argentina would not let an international authority infringe on its sovereignty.
The spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, referenced the “longest lockdown in the history of humanity” and criticized the WHO for lacking independence due to political influences, although specific countries were not named. He argued that departing from the WHO would grant Argentina more agility in local policy implementation and resource management.
Argentina contributed approximately $8.75 million in fees to the WHO from 2022 to 2023, which accounts for a mere 0.11% of its total budget. It plans to provide $8.25 million for the 2024-2025 cycle. Notably, Argentina has not made any voluntary financial contributions in recent times and does not rely on WHO funding.
The president’s office issued a statement asserting that the WHO had promoted “endless quarantines without scientific basis,” leading to severe economic repercussions globally. The statement assigned blame for the economic catastrophe partially to the WHO’s pandemic response.
As a self-identified “anarcho-capitalist” and a supporter of Donald Trump, Milei shares similar criticisms of the WHO. Trump initiated the U.S. withdrawal soon after taking office, ranting against the organization’s management, while Argentina recently declined to participate in a new pandemic protocol set by the WHO.
Since assuming office in December 2023, Milei has implemented drastic public spending cuts, aiming for a zero budget deficit, which has led to millions more individuals facing poverty. Nevertheless, the country reported its highest trade surplus in 2024, driven by reductions in imports and government spending. Milei was notably the first foreign leader to meet Trump post-election, highlighting his alignment with the former U.S. president’s policies.
The withdrawal of Argentina from the WHO reflects a broader trend of discontent with international organizations, particularly regarding their pandemic responses. President Javier Milei’s administration aligns ideologically with former President Donald Trump, who also criticized the WHO’s actions during the pandemic. This decision demonstrates a commitment to national sovereignty and flexibility in policy-making without external interference. The economic implications, especially in terms of funding and support from international health organizations, are consequential for the country.
Argentina’s exit from the WHO signals a significant shift in its approach to international health governance, echoing the sentiments expressed by the United States under Trump. The Argentine government’s rationale includes a rejection of perceived overreach by the WHO during the pandemic, linking restrictive public health measures to severe economic impacts. This decision highlights the growing trend towards nationalism in global health policy and prioritizes local autonomy in managing health crises.
Original Source: www.france24.com
