Argentina Officially Withdraws from World Health Organization

March 16, Kathmandu – On Tuesday, Argentina formally withdrew its membership from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Following the United States, Argentina has also abandoned its membership in the WHO. The United States had made this decision earlier this year.

The government of Argentine President Javier Milei, known to be a close ally of US President Donald Trump, had announced its intention to leave the UN health agency a year ago, criticizing the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the withdrawal process was completed within the timeline specified by international treaties.

“Argentina will fully protect its sovereignty and the freedom to make decisions regarding its health policies, while continuing international health cooperation through bilateral agreements and regional platforms,” said Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Cerna on the social media platform X.

Last year, Argentina declared that the WHO’s recommendations were based on political interests rather than science, thus deeming them ineffective.

Following Trump’s return to the White House and his signing of an executive order to exit the multinational group, the United States formally announced its withdrawal from the WHO in January, exactly one year later.

The WHO has played a critical role in combating diseases such as smallpox, polio, HIV, Ebola, and tuberculosis, as well as in managing public health risks.

In January, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep regret over the decision, warning that it would render both the United States and the world less safe. –Rasassa