Argentina Announces Withdrawal from WHO, Citing Sovereignty and Policy Differences

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Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing “profound differences” with the U.N. health agency. The move, confirmed by a presidential spokesperson on Wednesday, aligns with President Javier Milei’s broader stance against international oversight and echoes a similar decision by his ally, U.S. President Donald Trump.  

 

The announcement signals another significant shift in Argentina’s foreign policy under Milei’s leadership. While Argentina’s financial contribution to WHO’s $6.9 billion 2024-2025 budget was a modest $8 million, its departure adds to concerns about global health cooperation. Spokesperson Manuel Adorni emphasized that the decision was driven by disagreements over health management policies, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “WHO guidelines at the time led to the largest shutdown in the history of mankind,” Adorni stated in a news conference in Buenos Aires, referencing the lockdowns that Milei has long criticized.  

 

Adorni made it clear that Argentina will not permit an international body to interfere with its sovereignty, “and much less in our health.” WHO, however, does not have the power to enforce policies on member states. Its recommendations, including those made during health crises like COVID-19, are advisory and are often implemented at the discretion of individual governments. The organization responded to Argentina’s announcement by stating that it was reviewing the decision.  

 

Milei’s skepticism of WHO aligns with his broader distrust of multilateral institutions. He has repeatedly criticized the pandemic-era lockdown imposed by former President Alberto Fernández, arguing that it severely damaged Argentina’s economy and was used as a tool of government repression. His stance is similar to that of Trump, who, on his first day back in office on January 21, signed an executive order to begin the U.S. withdrawal from WHO.  

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Milei reaffirmed his anti-establishment position, declaring, "LONG LIVE FREEDOM," while condemning the U.N. agency. Adorni further suggested that WHO’s independence is compromised by political influence from certain countries, though he did not specify which ones.  

 

Despite Argentina’s departure, Adorni insisted that the decision would not affect the country’s healthcare system. “On the contrary, it gives greater flexibility to implement policies adapted to the context and interests that Argentina requires,” he said. Since Argentina does not receive WHO funding for health programs, the withdrawal is largely symbolic in terms of immediate financial impact.  

 

The timing of the announcement comes just ahead of Milei’s upcoming trip to the United States, where he will attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, a summit of right-wing leaders. The move reinforces his alignment with global nationalist and libertarian figures who oppose international governance.  

 

While Argentina’s exit from WHO may not drastically impact its domestic health policies, the decision marks a significant step in Milei’s broader effort to distance Argentina from U.N.-backed organizations and assert greater autonomy on the global stage.

 

Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-07

 

 

[Tailwagsdog]

Smart Guy...he may actually save Argentina from 70 years of self harm.

[JonnyF]

Milei is the best thing to happen to Argentina in decades. 

[parallelman]

So who is next I wonder?