Milei Follows Trump’s Footsteps, Argentina to Exit WHO
Argentina is set to withdraw from the World Health Institution (WHO), following a path blazed by former U.S. president Donald Trump. The proclamation, made by Argentine President Javier Milei’s spokesperson Manuel adorni on Wednesday, cited “profound differences in health management,” especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and “the political influence of some states.”
“The president instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Werthein, to withdraw Argentina from the WHO,” Adorni stated during a press conference. “The Argentines will not allow an international organization to intervene in our sovereignty, even less in our health,” he added, echoing a sentiment that resonates with those who believe in national autonomy and self-determination.
Adorni pointed to the “differences” in health management, specifically referencing the “pandemic which, with the government of Alberto Fernandez (Center-Gauche, 2019-2023), led us to the longest confinement in the history of humanity,” as well as a “lack of independence in the face of the political influence of some states.”
Argentina, like many countries, was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The country implemented some of the strictest health measures globally, including a five-month lockdown in 2020, considered one of the most stringent in the world. This approach, while aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus, came at a significant economic and social cost. The pandemic ultimately claimed around 130,000 lives in Argentina.
in a press release issued shortly after the announcement, the Argentine presidency further criticized the WHO’s handling of the pandemic, stating that the organization “failed its firefighting test on COVID-19, promoting forty ‘eternal’ scientific theories” and contributing to “one of the largest economic disasters in the history of the world.”
Milei,even before assuming the presidency,had been a vocal critic of the government’s pandemic response,particularly the lockdowns. His stance aligns with a growing global sentiment questioning the effectiveness and potential overreach of international health organizations in managing public health crises.
The Argentine presidency argues that “the recipes of those who do not work, because they are the result of political influence and not based on science.” They call for a “rethinking of supranational organizations, financed by everyone, who no longer achieve the objectives for which they have been created and are dedicated to international politics.”
Adorni believes that Argentina’s withdrawal will provide the country with “greater versatility to implement policies adapted to the context and interests of Argentina, a greater availability of resources, and reaffirm our path towards a healthy sovereign country.”
This move echoes the Trump management’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO in 2020, citing similar concerns about the organization’s effectiveness and political bias. The U.S. rejoined the WHO in 2021 under the Biden administration.
Implications for the U.S. and Global Health:
Argentina’s decision to leave the WHO raises several vital questions for the U.S. and the global health community:
Impact on Global Health Cooperation: The WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating international health responses to pandemics and other global health threats. The withdrawal of a major member state like Argentina could weaken the organization’s ability to effectively address these challenges.
Rise of Nationalistic Health Policies: Milei’s decision aligns with a growing trend of nationalistic health policies, where countries prioritize their own interests over global cooperation. This could lead to a fragmentation of the global health system and hinder efforts to address shared health threats.
Need for Reform: The criticisms leveled by Milei and other critics of the WHO highlight the need for reform within the organization. This could include addressing concerns about clarity, accountability, and political influence.
Alternative Models of Global Health Governance: Argentina’s withdrawal could prompt a search for alternative models of global health governance that are more responsive to the needs of individual countries.
Practical Takeaways for U.S. Readers:
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on global health developments and the role of international organizations like the WHO.
Engage in Public Discourse: Participate in discussions about global health policy and advocate for solutions that promote both national and global health security.
Support Public Health Infrastructure: Advocate for strong public health systems at the local, state, and national levels. Promote Global Cooperation: Encourage policies that foster international collaboration on health issues.
The decision by Argentina to leave the WHO is a significant development with potential implications for global health security. It underscores the need for ongoing dialog and collaboration to ensure a strong and effective global health system.
argentina’s Exit from WHO: An Expert Interview
time.news Editor: Javier Milei has announced Argentina’s withdrawal from teh World Health Organization (WHO). What are the key reasons behind this decision, and what impact could it have on global health?
future WHO Expert: President Milei’s spokesperson cited “profound differences in health management,” especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response, and “the political influence of some states” as the primary drivers for Argentina’s departure. The Argentine government feels that the WHO failed to adequately address the pandemic, promoting ineffective theories and contributing to a global economic crisis.
Time.news Editor: How does this decision align with the rhetoric we’ve seen from other nations, notably the united States under the previous administration?
Future WHO Expert: This decision definitely echoes the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the WHO in 2020, based on similar criticisms about the organization’s effectiveness and political biases.
Time.news Editor: what are the potential consequences of argentina leaving the WHO?
Future WHO Expert: Argentina’s withdrawal weakens the WHO’s global health cooperation efforts, especially during pandemics. The organization relies on the collective expertise and resources of member states. This exodus could lead to a fragmented global health system,hindering our ability to address shared health threats effectively.
time.news Editor: Could this decision fuel a broader trend of nationalistic health policies?
Future WHO Expert: Absolutely. We’re already seeing a rise in nationalistic health policies globally, with countries prioritizing domestic interests over international collaboration. Argentina’s withdrawal might encourage other countries to follow suit, potentially undermining the effectiveness of the international health architecture.
Time.news Editor: What are the key takeaways for US readers concerning this advancement?
Future WHO Expert: Firstly, stay informed about global health developments and the WHO’s role. Secondly, engage in discussions about global health policy.Advocate for solutions that promote both national and global health security. support strong public health infrastructure at all levels within the US and promote policies that encourage international cooperation on health issues.
