President Javier Milei of Argentina plans to withdraw the country from the World Health Organization, citing disagreements over health policies and foreign influence. This decision aims to restore national sovereignty in health matters and reflects similar actions by the U.S. under President Trump, who is Milei’s ideological ally.
Argentinian President Javier Milei has announced his intention to withdraw Argentina from the World Health Organization (WHO). During a recent press conference, presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni expressed that the decision follows substantial disagreements regarding health policies, as well as concerns about the influence of certain member states on WHO’s operations. Adorni stated that Argentinians will not tolerate any foreign interference in their sovereignty, particularly in health matters.
Milei’s administration has criticized the policies implemented during former President Alberto Fernandez’s tenure, particularly regarding the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The spokesperson noted that the previous government’s extensive lockdown was unprecedented and indicated a lack of autonomy in addressing local health needs. Withdrawal from WHO is viewed as a means for Argentina to regain flexibility and better align health policies with national interests.
This decision resonates with similar actions taken by the United States, where President Donald Trump has also initiated withdrawal from the WHO following criticisms about the organization’s handling of the pandemic. Milei, who has been in office since December 2023, aligns ideologically with Trump, seeing him as an ally in political matters. The U.S. withdrawal is set to take effect at the end of January 2026, leading to reflections on the future effectiveness of WHO without key member states.
Javier Milei became president of Argentina in December 2023, advocating for policies that prioritize national sovereignty over international agreements, particularly in health matters. His administration reflects a significant shift in response to past government decisions surrounding pandemic management. The WHO has faced scrutiny for perceived inefficiencies and political biases, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of its influence over member states’ health policies. The announcement of withdrawal from the WHO comes in a broader context of international relations and health governance.
In summary, President Javier Milei’s announcement to withdraw Argentina from the World Health Organization stems from a desire to reclaim national control over health policies. The decision highlights the tensions between national sovereignty and international health governance, reflecting a broader critique of WHO’s functionality. This move positions Argentina among nations reevaluating their relationships with global health organizations following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
