The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has announced the country's withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing "profound differences" with the organization's management of health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This decision follows the precedent set by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who in 2020 initiated a similar process to withdraw his country from the WHO and now, in his second term which began on January 20 (2025-2029), announced the departure of his country from the organization.
The presidential spokesperson of Argentina, Manuel Adorni, explained that the measure is based on discrepancies regarding the WHO's guidelines during the pandemic, which resulted in "the longest quarantine in the history of humanity" in Argentina.
Adorni added that the country will not allow an international organization to intervene in its sovereignty, especially in health matters.
According to a report from CNN, Milei has been a consistent critic of the lockdown policies implemented during the pandemic, arguing that they harmed the economy and were used as mechanisms of "repression."
In a post on social media X, the president stated: "We will never forget that they were the ideologists of the cave-like quarantine that involved... one of the most outrageous crimes against humanity in history."
According to the Argentine government, leaving the WHO does not affect the quality of health services in the country, as Argentina does not receive funding from the organization for health management.
On the contrary, Adorni noted that the measure will grant the country "more flexibility to implement policies tailored to the context and interests that Argentina requires".
Argentina's withdrawal from the WHO adds to other controversial decisions made by Milei's government, such as the ban on gender transition treatments for minors and the restriction on the presence of transgender women in female prisons.
These actions reflect a conservative stance on social issues and a tendency to distance itself from international organizations, just as Donald Trump is doing with the United States.
Recently, the U.S. president announced the withdrawal of the country from the UN Human Rights Council and the freezing of funds allocated to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
The White House argues that the Human Rights Council has allowed countries like Iran, China, and Cuba to use it to shield themselves, despite their serious violations and abuses of human rights.
Moreover, the Secretary of State has been instructed to review other international organizations that promote anti-American or radical sentiments, specifically mentioning UNESCO.
Frequently Asked Questions about Argentina's Withdrawal from the WHO
Why did Argentina decide to withdraw from the WHO?
Argentina decided to withdraw from the WHO due to "profound differences" with the organization in health management during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Javier Milei has criticized the WHO's guidelines, particularly those related to lockdowns, which he believes harmed the economy and were used as mechanisms of "repression."
How does this decision affect the quality of healthcare services in Argentina?
According to the Argentine government, leaving the WHO does not affect the quality of the country's health services, as Argentina does not receive funding from the organization for health management. Instead, spokesperson Manuel Adorni claims that the measure will allow the country to have greater flexibility in implementing policies tailored to its needs.
What other controversial measures has Javier Milei's government taken?
In addition to withdrawing from the WHO, the Milei government has made decisions such as prohibiting gender transition treatments for minors and limiting the presence of trans women in women’s prisons. These actions reflect a conservative stance on social issues and a distancing from international organizations.
How does Argentina's decision compare to that of the United States regarding the WHO?
Argentina's decision follows the precedent set by Donald Trump, who also withdrew the United States from the WHO during his first term. Both leaders share criticisms of the WHO's pandemic management and have expressed their dissatisfaction with international organizations' control over national policies.
What is Javier Milei's position regarding the UN and other international organizations?
Javier Milei has adopted a critical stance towards the UN, accusing the organization of including "bloody dictatorships" such as Cuba and Venezuela in its Human Rights Council. Milei has distanced himself from the policies promoted by the UN and has expressed his rejection of what he considers socialist agendas, aiming to strengthen a freedom agenda for Argentina.
Filed under:
