Argentina has decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization, following the U.S. lead. The decision stems from discontent with WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with President Milei emphasizing national sovereignty. This withdrawal allows Argentina greater flexibility in health policy and has minimal financial implications.
Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), closely following the United States’ exit. The move aligns with the stance of President Javier Milei, who views U.S. President Donald Trump as an ideological ally. Milei’s administration cites discontent with the WHO’s pandemic management and asserts the need to protect national sovereignty from international influences, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.
The withdrawal, communicated by President Milei’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni, stems from frustrations over how the WHO handled the pandemic, highlighting “deep differences” regarding health management. Adorni emphasized that the decision would allow Argentina greater freedom in policy implementation and resource allocation, stating that the country does not rely on WHO funding.
Milei’s administration criticized the WHO for promoting “endless quarantines without scientific basis,” linking these policies to severe economic downturns, which they argue caused significant hardship during and after the pandemic. Argentina has already distanced itself from WHO initiatives, such as a new pandemic protocol introduced last year.
The announcement reveals Argentina’s financial context, detailing its contributions of approximately $8.75 million in membership fees to the WHO while underscoring its lack of voluntary funding in recent years. As highest contributor, the U.S. withdrawal creates funding gaps for global health initiatives, which were previously reliant on American support. Under Milei, Argentina is undergoing significant austerity measures, impacting social spending but leading to a trade surplus.
The decision of Argentina to pull out from the WHO aligns with the U.S. withdrawal instigated by Trump’s administration. Both countries have criticized the WHO’s management during the pandemic, highlighting issues regarding lockdown measures and economic impact. The socio-political landscape in both nations is shaped by leaders who prioritize national sovereignty and economic efficiency over global health governance, particularly in the context of the global pandemic response.
Argentina’s exit from the WHO underscores a growing trend of skepticism towards international health organizations, influenced by U.S. policy shifts. The Milei administration’s focus on sovereignty and economic policies reflects broader concerns regarding international management of public health crises. This decision not only reflects ideological alignment with Trump but also aims at restructuring national health policies and expenditures more freely.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
