Argentina has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move confirmed by the country’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in its engagement with global health governance. The decision follows a similar step taken earlier this year by the United States.
The withdrawal, executed under the administration of President Javier Milei, had been announced approximately a year ago, with Milei criticizing the WHO’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic and alleging that the organisation’s recommendations were influenced by political interests rather than scientific evidence. According to Argentina’s Foreign Ministry, the formal exit has now been completed in compliance with international treaty timelines governing membership withdrawal.
Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, in a statement to the press, emphasised that Argentina will continue to pursue international cooperation on health matters through bilateral agreements and regional forums, while maintaining its sovereignty and independent decision-making authority on domestic health policies.
“Argentina will continue to promote international cooperation in health through bilateral agreements and regional forums, while fully preserving its sovereignty and its capacity to make decisions regarding health policies,” Quirno said.
The minister further indicated that Argentina remains committed to engaging with global health initiatives outside the WHO framework, signaling an intention to participate selectively in collaborative efforts that align with national priorities. “We will continue to contribute to global health solutions in ways that respect our national interests and scientific priorities,” he added.
Argentina’s withdrawal mirrors the precedent set by the United States, where former President Donald Trump formalised the country’s exit from the WHO earlier this year through an executive order. Both governments have cited concerns over the effectiveness and transparency of the organisation’s responses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The WHO, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, has historically been at the forefront of global health initiatives, including the eradication of smallpox, the ongoing fight against polio, and efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, Ebola, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases. Its departure of major members like the United States and now Argentina has raised concerns among health experts about potential gaps in global coordination, particularly during pandemics and international health emergencies.
Earlier this year, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision, warning that the withdrawal could compromise both national and global safety. Observers now caution that Argentina’s exit may further weaken the organisation’s influence in the region and could prompt other countries to reconsider their commitments, creating a more fragmented global health landscape.
While critics of the WHO in Argentina argue that the organisation’s policies have often been driven by political considerations, supporters contend that disengagement risks reducing access to international expertise, medical resources, and funding mechanisms crucial for addressing public health crises.
As Argentina charts its new path outside the WHO, analysts note that the country will need to strengthen regional health collaborations, invest in domestic public health infrastructure, and maintain active engagement with international partners to mitigate potential setbacks in disease surveillance, epidemic response, and preventive healthcare initiatives.
The move represents a significant realignment in Argentina’s approach to global health diplomacy and may redefine its role in shaping regional and international health policies in the coming years.
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