Javier Milei stands up to globalism: announces Argentina's withdrawal from the WHO

Javier Milei's government reported this Wednesday that Argentina will withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This is due to "deep differences" with the organization in its handling of the health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni communicated the decision, explaining that President Milei has ordered Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to begin the process of the country's exit from the WHO.

In his statement, Adorni said the following:

This measure responds to significant discrepancies in health management, especially during the pandemic. That, along with Alberto Fernández's government, led to the longest lockdown in history and a lack of autonomy in the face of the political influence of certain states.

The spokesperson also emphasized that Argentina will not allow international organizations to interfere in matters of national sovereignty. "Argentinians will not accept an external entity getting involved in our decisions, much less in our health policy," he stated.

Javier Milei's government has defended its decision to leave the WHO, asserting that this will grant the country greater autonomy in implementing health policies aligned with its interests.

Furthermore, Adorni assured that:

This measure provides Argentina with more flexibility to develop health strategies adapted to its context, in addition to allowing better resource management. It also reaffirms our commitment to sovereignty in health matters.

The Executive has reiterated its criticisms of the pandemic management under Alberto Fernández's administration. They pointed out that the prolonged lockdown imposed between March and November 2020 severely affected society and the economy.

Although restrictions began to ease later, the country maintained a mandatory social distancing scheme with limitations on mobility and capacity during 2021.

The announcement of the withdrawal from the WHO comes just two weeks after Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw his country from the organization. This, arguing that his nation contributed more resources than China.

During his first term in 2020, Trump had already attempted to finalize the U.S. exit from the WHO, but the decision was reversed after Joe Biden's arrival at the White House in January 2021.