By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
ARGENTINA’s President Javier Milei has ordered the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to “profound differences” in health management, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This decision echoes that of US President Donald Trump, who initiated the process of pulling the US out of WHO in January.
Argentina’s withdrawal is expected to further fragment global health cooperation, although the country’s contribution to WHO’s budget was relatively small, at around $8 million.
According to Presidential spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, WHO‘s guidelines during the pandemic led to the largest shutdown in history, and Argentina will not allow international organizations to intervene in its sovereignty, especially regarding health.
WHO has no authority to compel countries to take specific health actions, and its guidelines are often disregarded.
The organization is looking into Argentina’s announcement, but Adorni did not specify when the withdrawal would be implemented.
Argentina’s decision also stems from concerns about WHO’s independence, citing political influence from some countries.
This move is not expected to affect the quality of health services in Argentina, as the country does not receive WHO funding for health management. Instead, Adorni believes it will give Argentina greater flexibility to implement policies tailored to its interests.
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