The National Government has announced its decision to leave the World Health Organization (WHO) after reviewing its participation. According to the Executive, the WHO failed its biggest test by promoting quarantines without scientific basis during the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in one of the largest global economic disasters. The President has instructed Chancellor Gerardo Werthein to withdraw Argentina's participation in the WHO, in line with the executive order signed by United States President Donald Trump for his country to also withdraw from this organization.
"It's a topic that sensitizes him," acknowledged sources close to President Milei, who shares Trump’s dissatisfaction with the management of the WHO during the pandemic. The libertarian management has found support in the change of government in the United States and in the recent announcements from the Republican president. The existence of supranational organizations that seek to impose themselves over member countries, failing to meet the objectives for which they were created, is being questioned. Additionally, the possibility of leaving other multilateral organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Mercosur, which have also faced criticism and generated distrust, is being evaluated.
Manuel Adorni, presidential spokesperson, explained that the decision is based on deep differences regarding the WHO's health management, especially during the pandemic, and on the lack of independence from the political influence of some states. He assured that this measure does not represent a loss of funds for Argentina nor does it affect the quality of health services, but rather provides the country with greater flexibility to implement policies adapted to its interests and context.
In a statement, the Government claims that the recommendations of the WHO and the management of former President Alberto Fernández resulted in what they consider "the longest lockdown in human history." Therefore, Argentinians will not allow an international organization to intervene in their sovereignty, especially in their health. The decision to leave the WHO is part of the intention that decisions in Argentina are made by Argentinians and not by foreign entities.
