Why Argentina Left the World Health Organization
Argentina has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO) one year after notifying its intention to do so, a decision driven by criticisms of the WHO's pandemic management.
Argentina's departure from the World Health Organization (WHO) was officially announced by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno through social media, marking the end of the country's membership that began in 1948. This decision was made public on a Tuesday, following a year since the country notified the WHO of its intent to withdraw, as per the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The withdrawal decision was enacted in February 2025 by President Javier Milei, shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump made a similar move. The Argentine government justified its exit by blaming the WHO for the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically criticizing the organization's imposed quarantines which they argued led to significant economic devastation on a global scale. This reflects a continuing trend among countries reassessing their relations with international health entities in light of the pandemic. Argentina's decision to leave the WHO raises questions about the future of its public health policies and international cooperation in health matters. Observers may anticipate a shift in Argentina's approach to health emergencies and regulatory frameworks, potentially leading to a more insular national policy that may prioritize local over global guidance, amidst broader debates about the effectiveness of international health organizations during crises.