Argentina has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), as confirmed by the nation’s foreign minister on Tuesday. This development marks Argentina as the latest country to exit the UN health agency, following the United States, which had announced its own withdrawal earlier this year. The decision regarding the departure was initially revealed by the government of President Javier Milei a year ago when it criticized the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Timeline and Completion of Withdrawal Process

The Argentine foreign ministry stated that the exit process has been finalized within the stipulated timeframes set by international treaties. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno communicated the completion of this withdrawal on social media, emphasizing that Argentina aims to foster international health cooperation through bilateral agreements and regional forums while maintaining its sovereignty and capability to make independent health policy decisions.

Critique of WHO by Milei Administration

The Milei administration has consistently expressed strong criticism of the WHO’s role during the pandemic. Last year, Argentina commented that “the WHO’s recommendations are ineffective because they are not based on science, but on political interests.” This formal withdrawal underscores a more assertive stance by President Milei towards multilateral institutions and aligns Argentina’s policies closer to those initiated by the United States during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Historical Context of US Withdrawal

Argentina’s decision to leave the WHO follows the United States, which completed its own withdrawal in January this year. This move by the United States occurred a year after President Trump signed an executive order to exit the UN health organization after his return to office. The alignment in policy direction between Argentina and the United States under Trump has drawn attention, as it reflects a broader trend of distancing from major international organizations.

Significance of WHO in Global Health

The WHO has historically been instrumental in pivotal global public health initiatives, including efforts to eradicate smallpox and address various health crises such as polio, HIV, Ebola, and tuberculosis. On previous occasions, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had voiced concern regarding the implications of the US withdrawal, stating in January that he “deeply regretted” the decision and warned of increased risks to global health safety.

Implications for Global Health Coordination

Argentina’s departure from the WHO brings forth new questions about the future landscape of global health coordination. As countries continue to grapple with issues of sovereignty, scientific integrity, and the role of international institutions in addressing future health crises, this withdrawal signals a significant shift in South American engagement with global health governance. The international community is likely to monitor these developments closely as they unfold.

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