Argentina’s President Javier Milei has ordered the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to “profound differences” with the agency, echoing a similar decision made by U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision was based on disagreements with WHO’s health management, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, which Milei believes led to significant economic damage.
The decision to withdraw from WHO will not affect Argentina’s funding for health management, according to a presidential spokesperson. Milei has criticized WHO for lacking independence due to political influences from certain countries. The government’s refusal to sign an agreement to manage pandemics within the WHO framework last year was also based on concerns about national sovereignty.
WHO expressed concern over Argentina’s announcement and stated that the organization does not have the authority to compel countries to take specific health actions. Despite the withdrawal, WHO remains the only organization mandated to coordinate global responses to health crises.
Milei’s decision comes ahead of his trip to the U.S. later this month, coinciding with a summit of right-wing leaders in Washington. There is speculation that Milei may attend the Conservative Political Action Conference and potentially meet with Trump. The withdrawal of Argentina from WHO further fractures global health cooperation, although the country’s contribution to WHO’s budget was relatively small.
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