Javier Milei, President of Argentina, has announced plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization due to disagreements over health policies and perceived political influence from member states. The decision aims to enhance Argentina’s sovereignty in health matters and follows a similar move by the United States under President Trump.
Argentinian President Javier Milei has officially declared his intention to withdraw Argentina from the World Health Organization (WHO). This announcement, made by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni during a press conference, cites significant disagreements over health policies and the political influence exerted by certain member states as primary motivations for this decision. Adorni emphasized that Argentina will not permit any international organization to infringe upon its sovereignty, particularly regarding health matters.
The backdrop of this decision is rooted in Argentina’s previous health management strategies and the pandemic responses led by former President Alberto Fernandez, which were criticized for their extensive lockdown measures. The current administration believes that leaving the WHO will grant Argentina greater flexibility in devising health policies tailored specifically to the nation’s needs. This development is reminiscent of the previous withdrawal of the United States from the WHO, which was based on similar criticisms regarding the organization’s efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Milei’s decision to withdraw Argentina from the WHO underscores a broader trend of countries reassessing their affiliations with international health organizations. By distancing itself from the WHO, Argentina aims to reestablish its sovereignty in health governance and tailor responses that suit its specific context. This move parallels the American experience under President Trump, reflecting a shared skepticism toward multilateral health initiatives among certain political leaders.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
