Argentina’s President Javier Milei intends to withdraw from the WHO, calling it a “nefarious organization” as part of his criticism of its COVID-19 response. This move parallels former U.S. President Trump’s withdrawal and is legally contentious as it requires Congressional approval. International health collaboration may suffer, drawing criticism from former health officials in Argentina.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei has declared his intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision made public on social media on February 5. He described the WHO as a “nefarious organization” and criticized its pandemic response as ineffective. This stance aligns with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticisms of the WHO, reflecting Milei’s anarcho-capitalist perspective.
Milei’s announcement, however, faces legal hurdles; his ability to unilaterally exit the WHO depends on approval from Argentina’s Congress, where his political party holds a minority. Former health ministers in Argentina have expressed concerns that this move could hinder the country’s capacity to respond to future health emergencies, diminishing international collaboration.
The Argentine Health Ministry claims that leaving the WHO will not lead to significant economic repercussions, although investigations into potential impacts are ongoing. This situation mirrors other leaders in the Americas aligning with Trump’s policies, showcasing a growing trend among regional leaders to adopt similar governance styles and rhetoric.
The consequences of this political alignment extend beyond health organizations, affecting trade and diplomatic relations across the region. Countries like Bolivia and Ecuador are also responding to perceived threats from the Trump administration, setting up geographical tensions that could affect border control and tariffs. Milei’s actions also highlight a shift in the political landscape, manifesting in varied responses from leaders like El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.
Javier Milei, elected as Argentina’s president, has been an outspoken critic of the WHO’s interventions, particularly regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Aligning with Trump’s administration, he has adopted a combative stance against international organizations, mirroring the U.S. exit strategy from the WHO announced in January. The implications of such exits go beyond health policies, affecting broader political and economic engagements between nations, particularly in the Americas.
Milei’s decision to withdraw Argentina from the WHO illustrates a radical shift in the country’s health policy and political alignment. Despite legal challenges, the implications of this move are significant, potentially straining international cooperation during health crises. This trend of aligning with Trump reflects a wider shift among leaders in the Americas, prompting responses that may reshape diplomatic and trade practices in the region.
Original Source: mothership.sg
