Argentina is set to withdraw from the WHO under President Javier Milei, citing ideological conflicts and dissatisfaction with pandemic management. The decision, linked to efforts to reduce expenditures and enhance sovereignty, reflects a broader trend in the government’s distancing from international organizations. Further implications include a review of participation in other agreements, including climate accords.
Argentina has announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision made to align with President Javier Milei’s administration, which perceives such international bodies as ideologically misaligned with its policies. Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni expressed this sentiment, highlighting significant disagreements regarding pandemic management and critiquing the extended lockdown measures employed during former President Alberto Fernández’s tenure. This withdrawal follows a similar precedent set by Donald Trump in the USA, showcasing a trend towards distancing from organizations viewed as harboring socialist ideologies.
The Argentine government is assessing the ramifications of exiting various international organizations, including the WHO, which reportedly costs around $10 million annually. Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and other economic advisors are involved in this evaluation. Additionally, the Argentine government suggests that the withdrawal could fortify its autonomy in policy implementation and enhance national interests while negating foreign interference.
Milei’s administration is also contemplating the exit from other international accords, such as the Paris climate agreement. The president, known for his “anarcho-libertarian” views, has previously described pandemic lockdowns in his book “Pandemonics” as a “crime against humanity.” His skepticism towards climate change has led him to engage with controversial right-wing commentators who criticize scientific consensus on global warming.
The WHO faces ongoing challenges, especially with budget adjustments proposed by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus following the US withdrawal. Argentina previously declined to sign the WHO’s pandemic protocol in July 2023, distancing itself from frameworks that facilitate global health responses like those addressing infectious diseases. The organization plays a pivotal role in supporting developing nations and advancing health initiatives globally.
Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization is part of a broader governmental strategy led by President Javier Milei to distance the nation from international institutions perceived as conflicting with national ideologies. This reflects a growing trend in some countries to reconsider their roles and commitments within major multilateral organizations, often citing sovereignty and national interests. The discussions among key ministers highlight the complexities involved in such departures, including financial implications and potential impacts on public health collaboration.
Argentina’s exit from the WHO signifies its governmental shift toward a more isolationist stance regarding international health institutions. By distancing itself from organizations viewed as ideologically contrary, the Milei government is asserting its commitment to national sovereignty and policy independence. This trend, mirroring actions by other nations, raises questions about future international cooperation on global health issues and climate change initiatives.
Original Source: news.az
