Buenos Aires, February 5, 2025 – Argentina announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, mirroring a similar move by the United States under President Donald Trump upon his return to office in January.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni confirmed the decision, stating that President Javier Milei had instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to begin the process of exiting the WHO. The move, he said, reflects “deep differences” between Argentina and the WHO’s policies, particularly regarding its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reasons Behind the Exit
- COVID-19 Policies & Extended Lockdowns
- Adorni referenced Argentina’s prolonged lockdowns under the previous left-wing government as a key factor in Milei’s decision.
- The administration believes the WHO’s guidance contributed to what they see as overreach in pandemic-related restrictions.
- Concerns Over WHO’s Independence
- The Argentine government has criticized the WHO for being influenced by political agendas of powerful member states.
- This aligns with Trump’s previous stance, which accused the WHO of being too close to China and mishandling global health crises.
- Financial Considerations
- Trump, in his own withdrawal decision, argued that the U.S. bore an unfair financial burden as the WHO’s largest contributor.
- Argentina, currently facing severe economic challenges, may be reevaluating its financial commitments to international organizations.
Global Implications & Reactions
- International Health Concerns
- The WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating global disease responses, vaccine distribution, and health guidelines.
- Argentina’s withdrawal may impact its access to WHO-led programs, particularly in areas like public health funding and disease surveillance.
- Political Significance
- Milei’s move further signals his alignment with Trump’s policies, strengthening ties between the U.S. and Argentina’s libertarian government.
- Other countries could potentially follow suit if Trump’s WHO opposition gains traction internationally.
- WHO’s Response
- The WHO has not yet issued an official statement but is expected to urge Argentina to reconsider its decision, as it did with the U.S. withdrawal under Trump in 2020.
Next Steps
- Argentina will now formally notify the WHO of its departure, a process that may take up to a year under international agreements.
- Meanwhile, Milei’s government is expected to redirect resources toward domestic health initiatives and explore bilateral health partnerships outside of the WHO framework.
This latest development underscores Argentina’s shifting global alliances under Milei’s administration and raises questions about the future role of international health organizations in an era of increasing nationalism and skepticism toward multilateralism.