Argentina announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing concerns similar to the United States regarding the UN body's management of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Milei's spokesperson emphasized Argentina's sovereignty and desire for greater control over its health policies.
Argentina announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on Wednesday, citing similar concerns to the United States regarding the UN body's management of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Javier Milei 's spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, stated that this decision was driven by 'deep differences regarding health management , especially during the pandemic.' He emphasized that Argentina would not 'allow an international body to interfere in our sovereignty.
' Adorni pointed to the 'longest lockdown in the history of humanity' and a 'lack of independence (at the WHO) in the face of the political influence of some states,' although he refrained from naming specific countries. He asserted that this move grants Argentina 'greater flexibility to implement policies adapted to the context' locally while ensuring 'greater availability of resources.'WHO data reveals that Argentina contributed approximately US$8.75 million in membership fees to the organization between 2022 and 2023, representing 0.11 percent of the total budget. However, the majority of the UN health agency's funding stems from voluntary contributions, which Argentina has not provided in recent years. Adorni clarified that Argentina 'does not receive funding from the WHO, so this measure does not represent a loss of funds for the country.' Last year, Argentina declined to participate in a new pandemic protocol developed by the WHO and formally notified its intention to withdraw from the agency. It argued that the WHO had 'promoted endless quarantines without scientific basis' during the global fight against COVID-19, which tragically claimed millions of lives. 'The quarantines caused one of the greatest economic catastrophes in world history,' the presidency declared.Milei, a self-proclaimed 'anarcho-capitalist,' is a vocal admirer of Trump, who issued an order within hours of his January 20 inauguration for the United States to withdraw from the WHO, criticizing its handling of the pandemic. Since assuming office in December 2023, Milei has implemented drastic cuts to public spending, vowing to maintain a zero budget deficit after years of excessive spending. While his austerity measures are estimated to have plunged millions more into poverty, the country simultaneously recorded its highest-ever trade surplus in 2024, partly attributed to a decline in imports and consumer spending. Milei was the first foreign leader to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago Florida estate following the Republican's November US election victory
Argentina World Health Organization WHO COVID-19 Pandemic Health Management Sovereignty Javier Milei Donald Trump
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