Argentina Withdraws from the World Health Organization, Citing Sovereignty Concerns
Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that mirrors a similar action taken by former U.S. President Donald Trump last month. The announcement was made by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni during a press conference, where he stated that President Javier Milei had instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to formalize Argentina’s exit from the global health body. Adorni emphasized that Argentina will not permit any international organization to interfere with its sovereignty, particularly in matters of health.
Reasons Behind the Withdrawal: A Clash Over Health Management and Sovereignty
The decision to leave the WHO was reportedly driven by deep disagreements over health management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adorni highlighted that the pandemic led to the longest lockdowns in human history, which Argentina believes were mishandled by the WHO. The presidential office released a statement accusing the WHO of promoting “endless quarantines” that caused significant economic damage. The statement also criticized the organization for engaging in international politics and attempting to impose its authority over member states.
Adorni further clarified that Argentina does not receive funding from the WHO for its health management, meaning the withdrawal would not result in a loss of funds or affect the quality of health services in the country. Instead, he argued that leaving the WHO would give Argentina greater flexibility to implement policies that align with its national interests and prioritize its own health priorities. The spokesperson framed the move as a step toward asserting Argentina’s sovereignty, not just in health matters but also in broader governance.
The WHO’s Response and Defense of Its Role
The WHO has consistently defended its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its role as a global health leader. When Trump first threatened to withdraw U.S. funding from the organization in 2020, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned against politicizing the pandemic, stating, “If you don’t want many more body bags, then you refrain from politicizing it.” More recently, Trump announced plans to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO during his second term, citing the organization’s mishandling of the pandemic, failure to adopt reforms, and inability to remain independent from political influence.
Tedros has expressed regret over Trump’s decision, emphasizing that the U.S. also benefits from its membership in the WHO. The organization has continued to defend its work, pointing to its efforts to expand universal health coverage, respond to global health emergencies, and address disparities in health systems worldwide. Despite this, Argentina’s withdrawal reflects a growing skepticism among some nations about the effectiveness and independence of the WHO.
A Regional Trend: Argentina’s Decision in Context
Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO is part of a broader trend in the region, where several countries are adopting policies that echo Trump’s rhetoric on issues such as border security, trade, and migration control. For instance, Argentina’s Ministry of National Security has announced plans to build a 200-meter fence along its border with Bolivia in an effort to curb drug trafficking. Similarly, Ecuador recently imposed a 27% tariff on Mexican goods, citing the need to protect its producers until a fair trade deal is reached.
In another notable move, El Salvador offered to imprison convicted criminals deported from the U.S., with President Nayib Bukele framing the deal as a financially beneficial arrangement for his country. These actions suggest a shift toward nationalism and sovereignty in the region, with leaders prioritizing domestic interests over international cooperation.
The Historical Role of the WHO and Its Challenges
The World Health Organization, established in 1948, was founded with the goal of protecting global health and addressing inequalities in health systems across the world. Its constitution, signed by all UN members at the time, emphasized that unequal development in health systems was a “common danger” that required collective action. Today, the WHO operates in over 150 countries, leading efforts to expand universal health coverage and coordinate responses to health crises such as yellow fever, cholera, and Ebola.
However, the organization has faced increasing criticism in recent years, particularly over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics argue that the WHO was slow to respond to the outbreak and failed to hold China accountable for its initial handling of the virus. These criticisms have fueled calls for reform and greater transparency within the organization.
Implications of Argentina’s Withdrawal and the Future of Global Health Governance
Argentina’s decision to leave the WHO raises important questions about the future of global health governance and the role of supranational organizations in addressing health challenges. While the country argues that the move will allow it to assert greater sovereignty over its health policies, critics warn that such withdrawals could weaken international collaboration and hinder efforts to address global health crises.
The withdrawal also reflects a broader debate about the balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation in health matters. As more countries question the effectiveness of organizations like the WHO, the global health community may need to rethink how these institutions operate and how they can better serve the needs of their member states. Argentina’s decision is a significant step in this direction, with potential implications for the future of global health governance.
