President Javier Milei removed Argentina from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to significant disagreements in health management amid the pandemic, as announced on Wednesday (5) while explaining the decision.
The extremely liberal agent emulated President Donald Trump by withdrawing the United States from the WHO shortly after assuming office on January 20.
“We will always remember that they were the proponents of the primitive quarantine, which, as per the Rome Statute of 1998 (Article 7.k), involved, with the support of all the states that complied with their orders, one of the most heinous crimes against humanity in history,” Milei declared on his social media platforms.
We chose to leave the oppressive organization that served as the enforcer of the largest social control experiment in history. Long live freedom!
The president has instructed the chancellery to follow the order, as stated by presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni earlier today.
Argentines will not permit outside interference in their sovereignty, especially in matters concerning their health.
The spokesperson stated that this action allows the country more leeway to enact policies tailored to Argentina’s needs, along with increased access to resources, further solidifying the nation’s path toward health sovereignty.
Adorni mentioned that the collaboration between the WHO’s health management and the government of Alberto Fernández resulted in the longest confinement in human history and a lack of independence from the political influence of certain states.
Argentina clarified that the measure does not result in a loss of resources for the country as they do not receive funding from the WHO.
The announcement is part of Milei’s plan to decrease the government’s budget, as Argentina allocates $4.1 million annually to the WHO.
The Argentine Health Minister, Mario Lugones, explained that leaving the WHO does not result in a loss of cooperation or funding. The agreements with the Pan American Health Organization (Opas) remain in place, ensuring the vaccination schedule and access to epidemiological information and supplies at a reduced cost.
Isolation poses a risk.
Milei’s choice indicates a shift towards aligning with the United States and potential international isolation, contradicting the government’s stance on global openness.
Andrea dismissed the sovereignty loss argument by stating that WHO lacks the authority to compel States to implement domestic policies. She also highlighted that Argentina will miss out on a platform for sharing important information due to this decision.
Future worldwide pandemics are unavoidable, so it is not wise to isolate oneself and refrain from participating in international cooperation and coordination efforts.
According to Federico Merke, an associate professor of International Relations at the University of San Andrés, Milei’s choice also includes a level of theatricality to satisfy his supporters and the Trump administration. However, rather than enhancing the country’s global standing, it diminishes its credibility.
Health risks do not adhere to boundaries. Avoiding participation in international collaboration and coordination isolates Argentina from worldwide discussions.
Argentina refused to join a new pandemic protocol suggested by the WHO last June and indicated its plan to exit the organization. When questioned about Argentina’s potential withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Manuel Adorni stated that the matter is currently under consideration, with no decision made yet.
“Perpetual lockdowns”
The WHO was criticized by the Argentine Head of State’s cabinet for endorsing prolonged lockdowns without scientific basis during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to significant economic devastation.
It is crucial to reconsider the purpose of supranational organizations, which are funded by all members of the international community but fail to achieve their intended objectives and seek to assert authority over individual member nations.