Argentina’s Javier Milei Announces Exit from World Health Organization

The Argentine president's exit aims to reinforce national sovereignty and health policies, reflecting a trend among like-minded leaders.

 

In a dramatic political shift, the Argentine government, under President Javier Milei, has unveiled plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). The announcement comes just after a similar move by U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a growing alignment between the two leaders' positions on global health governance.

Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni cited "deep differences regarding health management, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic," as the catalyst for Argentina’s departure from the WHO. This decision mirrors Trump’s recent executive order to initiate the U.S. withdrawal from the international health body, which both leaders criticize for its handling of the pandemic and its alleged Chinese influence.

Milei, who has previously expressed admiration for Trump, calling his re-election the "greatest political comeback in history," and in turn receiving accolades from Trump as his "favorite president," is taking this bold step while contemplating broader implications for Argentina’s relationship with international bodies.

While the U.S. contributes significantly to the WHO’s budget at approximately $950 million annually, Argentina's contribution is relatively minor, totaling around $8 million. Nonetheless, the potential ripple effects on global health governance and the credibility of the WHO pose significant long-term questions, especially if more nations with similar ideologies decide to follow suit.

Adorni declared that the country would not permit "an international body to interfere with our sovereignty," emphasizing a desire for greater autonomy in health policy and resource management. The discussion of possible future withdrawals from other international treaties, including the Paris climate agreement, is also on the table, as Milei's administration seems poised to pursue a course of increased independence from global oversight.

The decision has sparked concern among environmental activists in Argentina, who fear that Milei might also take a hardline stance against climate change initiatives, mirroring similar action taken by the Trump administration in the past.

As the political landscape evolves, the broader implications of Milei's policies and their potential impact on international partnerships remain to be fully seen, echoing a global debate on national sovereignty versus international cooperation in public health.