Argentina has announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, following Donald Trump’s earlier decision. The government cited disagreements on health management during the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason, asserting its sovereignty. This reflects a broader trend of nations reevaluating their relationships with international health bodies amidst criticisms of their effectiveness.
In a bold move, Argentina has officially announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), mirroring the actions taken by former President Donald Trump. This decision was revealed during a press conference by presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni, citing significant disagreements over health management, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the primary reason. Adorni emphasized Argentina’s stance on sovereignty, stating that the country would not permit international bodies to meddle in domestic affairs.
The representative criticized the WHO’s pandemic response, which he attributes to Argentina experiencing one of the longest lockdowns worldwide. He pointed out that decisions made under former President Alberto Fernández contributed to this extended period of restriction and allowed external political influences to affect the nation’s health policies. This aligns with Trump’s viewpoint that the organization has failed to address essential reforms necessary for effective international health management.
Previously, Trump withdrew the United States from the WHO, criticizing its funding structure and suggesting that the U.S. was unfairly contributing compared to nations like China. His administration saw the WHO as an entity that had not held China accountable for its role in the COVID-19 outbreak, labeling it as a puppet of Beijing. Trump characterized the financial burden as “onerous,” given that the U.S. paid approximately $500 million annually while China contributed $39 million.
Argentina’s withdrawal follows a prior attempt by Trump to separate the U.S. from the WHO amid the pandemic, a plan that was ultimately thwarted by Joe Biden’s administration. This latest announcement is part of a series of actions by President Javier Milei, who continues Trump’s legacy in reshaping international ties regarding health governance and national sovereignty.
This developing story raises questions about the future of international health collaboration and the impact of nationalistic policies on global health responses, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. More information will follow as the situation evolves.
The World Health Organization plays a critical role in coordinating international health responses, especially during pandemics. Countries often rely on the WHO for guidelines and assistance in managing public health crises. However, tensions regarding its efficacy and influence have grown, particularly as some nations feel that their sovereignty is being compromised and that the organization may be biased towards certain governments, notably China. The controversy surrounding WHO’s handling of COVID-19 intensified calls for accountability and reform, leading to withdrawals by the U.S. and now Argentina.
Argentina’s decision to withdraw from the WHO echoes the sentiments expressed by former President Trump, focusing on sovereignty and discontent with the organization’s management of global health crises. This development could potentially alter Argentina’s engagement in international health initiatives and raise questions about the effectiveness of worldwide pandemic responses moving forward. Without cooperative frameworks, nations may struggle to effectively address future health emergencies while prioritizing national interests over collective action.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk