The Argentine government announced on Wednesday its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following the steps of U.S. President Donald Trump. Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni mentioned that this measure is due to profound differences with the WHO's health management, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the official statement, it was noted that the WHO failed in its response to the pandemic, resulting in an economic catastrophe and more than 130,000 lives lost in Argentina. The President's Office described this as a "crime against humanity" and emphasized that the sovereignty of the country should not be intervened by international bodies.
Argentina's decision was criticized for its similarity to the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and the UN. Argentine authorities considered the global quarantines as "eternal" and "without scientific basis." Despite the criticisms, the spokesperson stated that the withdrawal would not affect the country's funding or the quality of services but would allow for greater flexibility in implementing policies adapted to Argentine needs.
Some sectors expressed their disagreement with Argentina's decision, arguing that this would imply absence from international programs, prestigious laboratories, and international cooperation to confront possible future pandemics. However, the Argentine government maintains that this measure protects the country's sovereignty and grants it autonomy in decision-making regarding health.
