President Javier Milei has criticized the World Health Organization for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Argentina has announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing disagreements over policy, particularly concerning its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This action follows a similar decision by former US President Donald Trump.
A statement from President Milei’s office on X declared that the WHO failed to adequately address the coronavirus crisis, stating it “failed its biggest test.”
The statement further asserted that extended lockdowns resulted in “one of the greatest economic catastrophes in world history.” The presidential office argued that these lockdowns, endorsed by the WHO, severely damaged Argentina’s economy and led to 130,000 deaths.
Milei’s spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, confirmed that Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein had been instructed to initiate the withdrawal process.
“We Argentinians will not permit an international organization to infringe upon our sovereignty, especially in matters of health,” Adorni declared.
Adorni assured that the withdrawal would not impact Argentina’s healthcare system as the country does not receive funding from the WHO.
El Pais reported that this decision aligns with Milei’s long-held opposition to lockdowns. In 2020, he protested against the isolation measures implemented by then-President Alberto Fernandez, calling the lockdown “a crime against humanity” that violated individual liberties.
Trump similarly alleged that the WHO mismanaged the pandemic and other international health crises, imposing “unfairly burdensome” financial obligations on the US.
Upon assuming office, he initiated the process of withdrawing the US from the organization, intending for the exit to be completed within a year.
This marked Trump’s second attempt to withdraw the US from the WHO. He previously sought to leave the organization in 2020, accusing it of assisting China in concealing information about the origins of COVID-19. President Biden reversed this decision upon entering office.
The WHO expressed its “regret” at Washington’s decision, highlighting the organization’s crucial role in global health and security.
The US historically provided substantial funding to the WHO, contributing approximately $950 million in 2024, representing 15% of the agency’s budget.
Milei, who identifies as an anarcho-capitalist, was among the first foreign leaders to visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago following Trump’s 2024 election victory.