Argentina announced its exit from the World Health Organization, aligning its health policies with those of Donald Trump. Citing ‘deep differences’ in health recommendations during the Covid-19 pandemic, President Javier Milei’s administration emphasizes national sovereignty. Although the financial impact is minimal, Argentina risks lacking access to vital global health data and collaborative opportunities.
Argentina has officially announced its decision to leave the World Health Organization (WHO), aligning its health policies with those of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Javier Milei, the current President of Argentina, expressed this move through his spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, citing “deep differences” regarding health policy recommendations amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Adorni emphasized that Argentines will not permit international organizations to infringe on national sovereignty, particularly concerning health matters. The announcement followed a similar decision made by the Trump administration, which had criticized the WHO for its handling of the pandemic and accused it of being overly influenced by the Chinese government.
While Argentina’s departure may not significantly affect the WHO’s operations—contributing only $8.3 million in the 2024-25 period compared to the projected $6.9 billion from other sources—it does deprive the nation of valuable data and access to critical meetings related to public health strategies.
Tensions had already escalated between Milei’s administration and WHO officials when Argentina refused to commit to a treaty aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness, which is designed to equip nations better for health emergencies like Covid-19. This treaty, under negotiation among WHO member states, seeks to enhance international collaboration in health crisis response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in global health governance, particularly in coordinating responses to health crises such as pandemics. Its function relies heavily on cooperation from member states. The WHO, which has been accused by the U.S. of bias towards China during the early Covid-19 responses, faces challenges as it loses significant contributors like the U.S. and now Argentina. These departures may jeopardize the organization’s financial stability and ability to respond to global health threats effectively. President Javier Milei’s decision reflects a broader trend among some nations to prioritize national sovereignty over international cooperation in health matters, which may hinder collective responses to future health emergencies. Milei’s government has positioned itself in opposition to WHO’s guidelines, further isolating Argentina in the global health arena. The significance of cooperation in tackling pandemics cannot be overstated, and Argentina’s exit poses questions about the readiness of the nation for upcoming health challenges.
Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization marks a notable shift in its health policy alignment, mirroring sentiments expressed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. By prioritizing national sovereignty over international health cooperation, Argentina may face long-term consequences regarding its preparedness for health crises. This decision not only isolates Argentina from valuable resources and data but also raises concerns about the overall effectiveness of the WHO in managing global health threats. The implications of decreased collaboration among countries could impact global responses to future pandemics significantly and diminish the collective preparedness of nations.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
