Argentina is withdrawing from the World Health Organization, following the U.S.’s departure, due to dissatisfaction with WHO’s pandemic management. President Javier Milei’s government cites the need to preserve national sovereignty and address economic concerns stemming from WHO’s protocols. This decision aligns with Milei’s broader agenda, drawing parallels with the previous U.S. administration’s stance on the WHO.
Argentina is set to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) shortly after the United States, led by former President Donald Trump, announced its own exit from the agency. The decision was driven by complaints over WHO’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic. A spokesperson for President Javier Milei indicated that Argentina aims to uphold its sovereignty against external interference in health management decisions.
Contending with the WHO’s approach, particularly concerning pandemic lockdowns, Milei’s administration denounced the organization for promoting “endless quarantines” that allegedly lacked scientific backing. The presidency underscored the economic repercussions of these measures as substantial, claiming they caused one of the greatest economic crises globally.
Argentina aims to regain flexibility in its health policies and enhance resource availability as it disconnects from the WHO. Despite contributing approximately $8.75 million in membership dues recently, the government clarified that it receives no funding from the organization, thereby viewing the withdrawal as economically neutral.
President Milei, a proponent of Trump’s policies, has initiated drastic austerity measures since assuming office, which critics argue may have exacerbated poverty levels. Despite these claims, Argentina recorded its largest trade surplus to date in 2024, partly due to reduced imports and spending. The departure from WHO aligns with Milei’s broader agenda against perceived globalist influences, reflecting his self-described anarcho-capitalist views.
The decision by Argentina to exit the WHO reflects growing tensions regarding international health governance, particularly in light of responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Argentine leadership, under President Javier Milei, expresses discontent with WHO protocols and claims that their implementation has hindered national sovereignty. The previous administration of Donald Trump had similarly criticized the WHO, arguing for a re-evaluation of the organization’s practices and financial structures. This situation highlights a trend where national leaders prioritize domestic over international protocols, which has significant implications for global health governance.
In conclusion, Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO, mirroring the actions of the United States, underscores a shift towards prioritizing national sovereignty in health management. The administration critiques the WHO’s pandemic response and aims for greater resource availability without international constraints. As countries reassess their commitments to WHO, the implications for global health initiatives and collaborative response measures are substantial.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
