Argentina announced its withdrawal from the WHO, citing disagreements over health management during the COVID-19 pandemic and asserting the need for national sovereignty in health matters. This move follows the U.S. withdrawal from the organization, highlighting increased global discontent with WHO’s influence. The Argentine government claims that this decision will not negatively affect its health services.
Argentina has decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), according to presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni. This announcement was made during a news conference where Adorni stated that President Javier Milei directed Gerardo Werthein to terminate Argentina’s participation in the WHO, emphasizing that Argentina will not permit international organizations to interfere in its sovereignty or health management.
Adorni criticized WHO for its handling of health issues during the pandemic, particularly highlighting the prolonged lockdown Argentina experienced. He attributed the withdrawal to fundamental disagreements regarding health management and WHO’s political influence on member states. Adorni asserted that the WHO promoted harmful policies that caused economic damage in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision comes shortly after the U.S. announced its own withdrawal from WHO under President Donald Trump, who described the organization’s handling of the pandemic as inadequate. Trump, who shares similar ideological views with Milei, cited WHO’s failures and inappropriate political influence as reasons for the U.S. exit. Adorni aims for Argentina’s exit to allow more flexibility in health policy implementation.
He clarified that Argentina does not rely on financial resources from WHO, asserting that exiting does not impact the quality of health services in the country. Instead, Adorni believes it will enhance Argentina’s sovereignty in health matters. The WHO has expressed regret over the U.S. withdrawal and hopes for continued collaboration to address global health challenges.
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in international public health governance. However, its authority has been challenged by various countries, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which spotlighted the limitations and political pressures faced by global health organizations. Argentina’s decision to withdraw from the WHO reflects ongoing debates about national sovereignty versus international cooperation in health management, along with criticisms of WHO’s effectiveness and decision-making processes.
Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization marks a significant shift in its health governance strategy, prioritizing national sovereignty and independence over international oversight. The government’s criticisms of the WHO mirror larger global discontent, particularly highlighted by the U.S. withdrawal under President Trump. This trend raises questions about the future of international health collaborations and the role of organizations like WHO in managing global health crises.
Original Source: www.newsmobile.in
