Pokhara, 19 March| Argentina has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant shift in its approach to global health cooperation. The decision, finalized on Tuesday, follows a similar move by the United States earlier this year, intensifying debates over the role and effectiveness of multilateral health institutions. Argentina’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the withdrawal process was completed within the timeframe stipulated by international agreements.
The move comes under the leadership of President Javier Milei, whose administration had announced its intention to leave the WHO a year ago. The government criticized the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that its recommendations were influenced more by political considerations than by scientific evidence. Milei, often seen as an ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has consistently expressed skepticism toward multilateral institutions.
Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno stated that the country aims to safeguard its sovereignty and maintain full control over its public health policies. He emphasized that Argentina would continue engaging in international health cooperation through bilateral agreements and regional platforms, indicating a strategic shift rather than a complete disengagement from global health efforts.
Earlier this year, the United States also formally exited the WHO following an executive order signed after Trump’s return to the White House. The decision raised concerns about the weakening of global health governance, especially as major economies reconsider their roles in multilateral frameworks.
The WHO has historically played a critical role in addressing global health challenges, including the eradication of smallpox and the fight against diseases such as polio, HIV, Ebola, and tuberculosis. Despite these contributions, the withdrawal of key member states has sparked concerns about the organization’s future effectiveness and credibility. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep regret over such decisions, warning that they could undermine global health security.
Analysts suggest that the departure of influential countries like Argentina and the United States could complicate international responses to future health crises. Reduced coordination and weakened multilateral cooperation may hinder efforts to manage pandemics effectively. As global health challenges continue to evolve, the importance of unified action and trust among nations remains more critical than ever.
