Argentina has revealed plans to pull out of the World Health Organization, WHO following US President Donald Trump’s executive order last month to pull the United States out of the global health group.
Trump, who Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei considers a close ally, moved to exit the organization on his first day in office on January 20. Trump said that the global health agency had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises, and that it required unfairly onerous payments from the United States, its biggest funder.
It was gathered that Milei ordered Argentina’s withdrawal regarding the WHO’s management of health issues.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni emphasized that Argentina will not permit international organizations to interfere with its sovereignty, especially in health matters. He also criticized the WHO's guidelines during the pandemic, stating they led to the "largest shutdown in the history of mankind."
Critics of this decision express concerns that withdrawing from the WHO could limit Argentina's access to essential funding and medical resources. They also argue that such a move requires congressional approval, suggesting that the unilateral action may face legal challenges.
The withdrawal process is expected to take one year from the formal notification date. During this period, Argentina will continue to fulfill its financial obligations to the WHO.