Argentina has declared its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, following a similar move by the U.S. The decision, announced by President Javier Milei, reflects criticism of the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which officials attribute to economic downturns in Argentina. Amid rising inflation and poverty, Milei’s administration continues to challenge the integrity of WHO’s guidelines, echoing sentiments from Donald Trump’s presidency.
Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that aligns with actions taken by the United States last month. This decision was articulated by President Javier Milei, who criticized the WHO for its guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, attributing economic challenges faced by Argentina to the agency’s recommendations. Milei described the WHO as a “nefarious organization” responsible for what he termed the “greatest experiment in social control in history.”
Both Argentina and the U.S. are currently led by far-right administrations, with Milei maintaining a supportive relationship with Donald Trump. The WHO is primarily a research and advisory body and lacks the authority to enforce its guidelines on sovereign states. Critics have raised concerns regarding Milei’s focus on blaming the WHO rather than addressing domestic issues contributing to the ongoing crisis in Argentina.
Milei was elected in 2023, amidst soaring inflation, pledging to cut government spending drastically through his “chainsaw” economic policies. Despite some stabilization of inflation rates month-to-month, poverty in Argentina has surged, exceeding 50 percent. Critics accuse his administration of exacerbating the crisis by slashing public service funding that could have alleviated suffering among the impoverished population.
Argentina contributes approximately $8.257 million to the WHO as of 2024. In an official statement, Milei’s government claimed that the WHO’s quarantine recommendations have significantly worsened the country’s economic situation, leading to widespread unemployment and a staggering number of deaths due to COVID-19. They even suggested that adherence to WHO guidelines constituted a violation of international law concerning human rights.
Milei’s administration has further claimed that WHO’s directives have been politically influenced and lack scientific validity, undermining the organization’s credibility. This reflects a broader trend seen when Trump withdrew U.S. support for the WHO during his presidency, alleging similar failings regarding the pandemic management and the agency’s independence from political pressures.
The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the WHO and its withdrawal is likely to have significant implications for the organization’s funding and effectiveness in global health responses.
The withdrawal of Argentina from the WHO is a notable geopolitical event, reflective of rising far-right populism across the globe, particularly in the Americas. Both Argentina and the U.S. are now led by leaders who have previously voiced discontent with international organizations that they accuse of managing public health crises ineffectively. This shift raises questions about global health governance, particularly in response to pandemics. Against a backdrop of economic hardship, political leaders are leveraging the pandemic response as a positional platform while prioritizing national control over international cooperation.
Argentina’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization mirrors a larger trend of skepticism towards international health agencies among populist leaders in the Americas. Given the ongoing health crisis and economic struggles aggravated by the pandemic’s response, such moves could undermine global cooperation and impede effective health strategies in the future. The backlash against the WHO may reflect political motivations more than a path toward resolving public health issues.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
