Argentina has decided to leave the WHO, following the U.S. under Trump, due to dissatisfaction with the organization’s COVID-19 management. President Milei criticized the WHO for its role in perceived social control during the pandemic. This withdrawal aims to enhance Argentina’s policy flexibility and preserve sovereignty, amid existing economic challenges and previous lockdown impacts.
Argentina announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, echoing the United States’ recent exit under Donald Trump. President Javier Milei criticized the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it “one of the most bizarre crimes against humanity”. He described the organization as an “executing arm” of a massive social control experiment, reflecting a significant ideological shift in Argentine health policy.
The decision comes as Argentina grapples with the economic repercussions of prolonged lockdowns instituted by Milei’s predecessor, Alberto Fernandez, who implemented a five-month lockdown in 2020 that severely impacted the already struggling economy. Spokesman Manuel Adorni emphasized that the withdrawal is aimed at restoring national sovereignty, as Argentina seeks to avoid interference from international bodies in its health management.
Milei’s administration believes that exiting the WHO will grant Argentina the flexibility to tailor public health policies to local contexts, while ensuring better allocation of resources. The country had already signaled its intent to depart last year by refusing to participate in a new WHO pandemic protocol, highlighting a growing rift between Argentina and the international health community.
While Argentina contributed approximately $8.75 million in recent membership fees, it has not provided substantial voluntary funding to the WHO. Adorni pointed out that despite the membership fees, Argentina does not receive significant financial support from the organization, minimizing the financial impact of this decision.
International relations expert Federico Merke noted that Argentina’s exit could isolate the country from cooperative efforts necessary to combat future health threats. This development aligns with Milei’s admiration for Trump, who also withdrew the U.S. from the WHO shortly after taking office, raising concerns about the future of global health initiatives under his leadership.
Under Milei, Argentina has undertaken severe austerity measures to achieve a zero budget deficit, despite such policies contributing to increased poverty levels. The withdrawal from the WHO may also reflect shifting priorities regarding international agreements like the Paris climate pact, which aligns with Milei’s broader reevaluation of Argentina’s global commitments and economic strategies.
Argentina’s decision to exit the WHO mirrors a trend initiated by the United States under Trump, driven by frustrations over the organization’s pandemic responses. President Milei’s administration has condemned previous lockdown measures as detrimental to the economy, leading to this significant policy shift aimed at securing national autonomy in health management. This withdrawal creates potential implications for public health cooperation and future pandemic preparedness, highlighting tensions between national sovereignty and international health collaboration.
Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO signifies a pivotal shift in its public health strategy, emphasizing national sovereignty over international cooperation. The decision aligns with President Milei’s criticism of global health governance and reflects a broader trend of nations reevaluating their roles in international organizations. The potential isolation from vital health information-sharing networks raises concerns about future health threat management in Argentina, underscoring the complexities of balancing national policy with global cooperation.
Original Source: www.news.com.au
