Adorni emphasized that Argentina does not receive funding from the WHO for health management, so the withdrawal will not affect resources allocated to public health.

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In a move that has sparked international controversy, the government of Argentina, led by President Javier Milei, announced on Thursday its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The decision, communicated by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, is based on “profound differences” with global health management during the COVID-19 pandemic and the defense of national sovereignty.

“Argentines will not allow the WHO to interfere in matters of sovereignty, much less in our health,” Adorni stated during a press conference.

The official strongly criticized the policies implemented during the previous administration, led by Alberto Fernández, and claimed that prolonged lockdowns and WHO recommendations “led to the longest confinement in human history.”

The Argentine government argues that the measures supported by the WHO during the pandemic, including strict lockdowns, “could be classified as crimes against humanity.”

Additionally, it accused the organization of basing its decisions on “political influence” rather than scientific evidence. “Today, the evidence shows that the WHO’s prescriptions do not work,” stated a release from the Office of the President.

Adorni emphasized that Argentina does not receive funding from the WHO for health management, so the withdrawal will not affect resources allocated to public health.

“This measure does not represent a loss of funds for the country, nor does it affect the quality of health services,” he said.

On the contrary, the government argues that the decision will allow the country to implement health policies tailored to its specific needs.

“It gives Argentina more flexibility to design strategies aligned with our context and interests, as well as greater availability of resources,” Adorni explained. “We reaffirm our path toward a country with sovereignty in health matters as well.”

The Milei administration has urged the international community to “rethink the purpose of these organizations” and to assess whether their current operations serve the interests of member states or particular political agendas.
With its withdrawal from the WHO, Argentina joins a small group of countries that have chosen to distance themselves from international organizations in recent years.

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