Argentina has decided to leave the WHO, echoing the recent U.S. withdrawal. This action reflects significant disagreements with the organization’s pandemic management. President Milei’s administration claims the WHO’s measures infringed on national sovereignty, leading to economic consequences. This decision marks a paradigm shift in Argentina’s approach to international health governance and showcases the alignment between Milei and Trump.
Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), mirroring the recent actions taken by the United States. President Javier Milei’s administration cites substantial disagreements with the UN body’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic as a key reason for this move. Specifically, spokesman Manuel Adorni emphasized Argentina’s objection to what he described as the WHO’s excessive influence on national sovereignty.
The decision to depart from the WHO follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of the U.S.’s exit, reflecting both leaders’ shared ideological perspectives. Adorni suggested the withdrawal would grant Argentina increased flexibility to tailor health policies to local needs, ultimately enhancing the availability of resources. He also noted that, despite contributing approximately $8.75 million in dues for 2022 and 2023, Argentina has not received funding from the organization in recent years.
The Milei administration asserted that the WHO had enforced prolonged lockdown measures without sufficient scientific backing, claiming these actions led to profound economic turmoil during the pandemic. The administration framed these quarantines as among the most significant economic disasters globally. As an advocate of radical economic reforms, Milei aims to implement austerity measures to rectify the nation’s fiscal policies.
President Milei’s strong admiration for Donald Trump is apparent, having been the first foreign leader to meet him after the latter’s election win. Trump’s criticisms of the WHO also resonate with Milei’s perspectives on health management during the pandemic. Milei’s drastic fiscal approach is drawing criticism as it purportedly plunges many into poverty, though it has coincided with a notable trade surplus in 2024.
In essence, Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO stands as a reflection of its current government’s ideological alignment with Trump-era policies, amidst a backdrop of significant economic reform in the country. This strategic pivot underscores ongoing debates about global health governance and national autonomy in health management.
The WHO has faced criticism for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, with various nations expressing concerns over its protocols and recommendations. The decision by Argentina to withdraw is influenced by political alignments and a desire for greater autonomy in health policy. The global health landscape has been impacted by high-profile withdrawals, notably that of the United States, raising questions about the future of international health cooperation and funding.
The withdrawal of Argentina from the WHO highlights a growing trend among certain nations prioritizing national sovereignty over global health protocols. This decision, allied with the recent actions of the United States, suggests a significant shift in how countries are approaching international health organizations. As nations navigate the ramifications of the pandemic, the balance between global cooperation and national policy will remain a contentious topic.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
