Argentina Withdraws from WHO Amid Policy Disputes

Argentina has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing policy disagreements and national interests. The decision raises concerns about global health collaboration.

Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing fundamental policy disagreements, especially observed during the Covid-19 pandemic. This move reflects a similar decision made last month by US President Donald Trump.

In a statement on X issued Wednesday, President Javier Milei’s office asserted that the WHO—established to coordinate responses to global health emergencies—had “failed its biggest test” during the coronavirus outbreak.

The statement also asserted that the extended quarantines resulted in “one of the greatest economic catastrophes in world history.” According to the presidential office, Argentina’s economy was devastated by months-long lockdowns imposed by the previous government and supported by the WHO, leading to 130,000 deaths.

Milei’s spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, informed journalists that Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein had received instructions to begin the process of Argentina withdrawing.

Adorni declared, “We Argentinians will not permit an international organization to interfere with our sovereignty, especially regarding our health.”

Adorni assured that since the country does not receive funding from WHO, its withdrawal will not impact national healthcare services.

On Wednesday, the newspaper El Pais reported that Milei’s departure aligns with his long-standing opposition to lockdowns. In 2020, he actively protested against isolation measures imposed by then-President Alberto Fernandez, describing the lockdown at the time as “a crime against humanity” that infringed on personal freedoms.

Trump also alleged that the WHO had mismanaged the pandemic and other international health crises, while placing “unfairly burdensome” financial obligations on the US.

On his first day in office, he signed an executive order to begin the process of exiting the organization, announcing that the US would depart within 12 months.

This move was the second instance in which Trump directed the United States to withdraw from the WHO. Initially, he began withdrawal procedures in 2020, alleging that the organization helped China “mislead the world” about Covid-19’s origins. However, his successor Joe Biden reversed this decision on his inauguration day.

The WHO reacted to Washington’s decision with “regret” and highlighted its essential role in global health and security.

Historically, the United States has been one of the largest donors to the World Health Organization (WHO), contributing close to $950 million in 2024. This accounts for approximately 15% of the organization’s total budget.

Milei, who identifies as an anarcho-capitalist, was the first international leader to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida following Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. election.