Argentina's President Javier Milei Moves to Exit WHO, Emulates Trump's Strategy

In a bold announcement, Argentine President Javier Milei has declared the country’s intention to withdraw from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This decision, attributed to "deep differences" over pandemic management, closely follows a similar move made by former US President Donald Trump. A spokesperson for Milei emphasized that the WHO's actions during the Covid-19 pandemic—particularly, its recommendations for lockdowns—were unsupported by scientific evidence. They argue that the organization has deviated from its founding principles and now acts under political influence rather than empirical data.

The Argentine government believes that exiting the WHO will enhance its sovereignty over health policies and budget management, potentially saving around $10 million annually. As Milei continues to assert his "anarcho-capitalist" philosophy, questions arise regarding the future of Argentina's involvement in other international agreements, including the Paris climate accord, which has already drawn critical attention from environmental activists. "The president is determined to prevent entities from infringing upon the freedoms of Argentines," stated a presidential spokesman at a recent press briefing, highlighting potential broader implications of this political stance.