Argentina’s President Javier Milei has ordered the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to “profound differences” with the U.N. agency, a presidential spokesperson announced Wednesday.
Milei’s decision mirrors that of his ally, U.S. President Donald Trump, who initiated the process of pulling the United States out of WHO with an executive order on his first day back in office on Jan. 21.
While Argentina was expected to contribute approximately $8 million to WHO’s $6.9 billion budget for 2024-2025, its departure further strains global health cooperation.
Spokesperson Manuel Adorni explained that the decision stems from “fundamental disagreements in health management, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He slammed WHO guidelines, claiming they led to “the largest shutdown in the history of mankind.”
Argentina, he asserted, will not allow an international organization to interfere in its sovereignty, “especially in matters of health.”
WHO does not have the authority to mandate specific health policies, and its recommendations such as those issued during the COVID-19 crisis are often ignored.
The agency stated that it is reviewing Argentina’s announcement.
Adorni did not specify when the withdrawal would take effect but accused WHO of lacking independence due to political influence from certain unnamed countries.
As the only global body tasked with coordinating responses to major health crises—including emerging outbreaks and persistent threats like Ebola, AIDS, and mpox—WHO’s role remains critical despite these tensions.
Milei has been a vocal critic of the pandemic lockdowns imposed by his predecessor, Alberto Fernández, arguing they harmed the economy and served as a tool of “repression.”
On Wednesday, Milei posted “LONG LIVE FREEDOM” on X in a message condemning the U.N. agency.
Argentina does not rely on WHO funding for its healthcare system, and the withdrawal will not impact healthcare quality, according to Adorni.
On the contrary, he argued, it allows greater flexibility to implement policies tailored to Argentina’s needs.
This move follows Milei’s earlier refusal to sign a WHO pandemic management agreement, citing concerns over national sovereignty.
The announcement comes just ahead of Milei’s upcoming trip to the U.S., which coincides with the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) summit in Washington.
While speculation swirls about a possible meeting with Trump, the spokesperson has not confirmed Milei’s attendance.
(AP)
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
