Following the U.S., Argentina announces exit from WHO

Under the leadership of President Javier Milei, Argentina has decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), echoing a similar decision made earlier by Donald Trump, whom Milei views as a kindred ideological spirit, reports NewsBox.

This decision by the Argentine government was announced by the presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni at a press conference on February 5th, stating that the president has instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Verthein to cease Argentina's involvement with WHO.

"As Argentines, we will not allow an international organization to infringe upon our sovereignty, particularly when it comes to our health," Adorni stressed.

Milei's administration justifies its decision by citing "profound disagreements over health governance, especially during the pandemic," pointing to prolonged lockdowns and lack of independence from political influence by certain countries. In a statement released later, WHO was accused of causing economic damage during the COVID-19 pandemic due to promoting "endless quarantines." The Argentine government believes it's necessary to reevaluate the role and effectiveness of multinational organizations funded by all countries, which, in their opinion, fail to meet stated goals and interfere in member states' internal policies, writes CNN.

Similar arguments were used by Donald Trump when he announced the U.S.'s withdrawal from WHO in January, accusing the organization of mismanagement in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic originating in Wuhan, and its inability to implement necessary reforms and demonstrate independence from political influence.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed regret over Trump's decision, emphasizing that the organization's efforts benefit the U.S. too, which contributes significantly to its funding.