In a decisive step towards distancing Argentina from international health governance, President Javier Milei has announced intentions to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This announcement follows a similar initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has also signaled a move away from the global health body.
According to a spokesperson for Milei, the decision stems from significant disagreements regarding health management, particularly noted during the Covid-19 crisis. The spokesperson criticized the WHO for advocating lockdown measures they deemed unsubstantiated by solid scientific evidence.
The official statement from Milei's government highlighted the WHO's establishment in 1948 as a mechanism for coordinating global health responses, asserting that it has failed to adequately address the most pressing health challenges. Argentine officials voiced concerns that the organization is more influenced by political motives than by scientific data.
As this situation unfolds, media sources in Argentina report anticipation of an executive order to formalize the withdrawal process in the coming days. Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni commented on the initiative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Argentina's sovereignty, particularly concerning health-related matters.
Milei has an ongoing critique of the WHO; however, the intensity of the proposal to exit seems to have gained momentum in the wake of the U.S. move towards withdrawal. The strong personal rapport between Milei and Trump—a friendship that has blossomed since Milei was the first foreign leader to meet Trump post-election—fuels speculation about future diplomatic shifts.
When asked if further dissolutions from international agreements are on the horizon, Adorni left the question open, reiterating their commitment to enhancing Argentina's freedoms and minimizing outside interference.
Concerns have started to emerge among environmental groups that Milei's government might also consider exiting the Paris climate accord, following Trump's trajectory away from multiple international agreements. With Argentina spending approximately $10 million annually on WHO membership, the government aims to redirect these resources toward more national interests.
