Argentina Officially Withdraws from WHO, Following United States Lead

ARGENTINA’s government officially severed ties with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday, 17 March local time. This move makes Argentina the second country after the United States to withdraw from the global health body under right-wing allied leadership.

Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno confirmed that the withdrawal is the finalisation of formal notice submitted one year ago. “Effective today, Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO is in force,” Quirno stated via social media.

Quirno emphasised that despite leaving the WHO, Argentina will continue international health cooperation through bilateral channels and regional forums. The measure was taken to ensure the country’s full sovereignty in determining national health policy without external intervention.

President Javier Milei’s decision is viewed as a form of political solidarity with his close ally, US President Donald Trump. Both leaders have been vocal in criticising international organisations deemed to promote progressive agendas and exceed countries’ domestic authority.

Previously, Milei had openly levelled sharp criticism at the WHO regarding its management of the Covid-19 pandemic.