Argentina’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a significant geopolitical and health policy shift that echoes the recent decision of the United States under former President Donald Trump. This move, which was announced on February 5, 2025, has sparked widespread debate, particularly as it coincides with the growing trend of nationalistic policies among global powers that have chosen to distance themselves from international organizations.
The announcement, made by a spokesman for Argentine President Javier Milei, comes on the heels of a series of critiques about the WHO’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic, which began in 2020. The spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, explained that Argentina’s withdrawal was primarily due to “deep differences regarding health management, especially during the pandemic.” These differences were centered around the WHO’s role in imposing lockdown measures, which the Argentine government, under Milei’s leadership, has criticized for being excessive and damaging to the economy.
Argentina’s withdrawal aligns with former President Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the WHO, a move Trump initiated in 2020, citing similar grievances regarding the organization’s pandemic response. Milei, who has expressed admiration for Trump and shares his ideological outlook, has cited these frustrations as one of the main reasons for Argentina’s departure from the WHO. The Argentine government has accused the WHO of promoting what it described as “endless quarantines without scientific basis,” which it claims contributed to one of the largest economic catastrophes in world history. This sentiment reflects the populist and anti-establishment rhetoric that has characterized both Milei and Trump’s political rise, with both leaders often positioning themselves as opponents of globalist institutions that they believe undermine national sovereignty.
Milei’s position on the pandemic is also rooted in his broader economic and political philosophy, which is deeply influenced by anarcho-capitalist ideals. The president’s criticism of the WHO is coupled with his rejection of what he perceives as excessive international influence on Argentina’s domestic policies. Adorni emphasized that Argentina would no longer “allow an international body to interfere in our sovereignty,” signaling a broader desire to assert national control over health policy. The country’s decision to withdraw from the WHO comes just two weeks after the United States, under Trump’s leadership, announced its own exit from the health organization.
The criticism of the WHO’s pandemic response is not unique to Argentina or the United States. Many countries around the world, particularly those with right-wing or populist governments, have voiced concerns about the organization’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis. However, Argentina’s exit is particularly notable given the country’s substantial contribution to the WHO’s budget. In 2022 and 2023, Argentina contributed approximately $8.75 million in membership fees, a small but significant amount that reflected its participation in the global health framework. While this financial contribution represents only 0.11% of the WHO’s total budget, Argentina’s withdrawal is seen as a symbolic move that underscores the country’s commitment to a more independent and localized approach to public health management.
Despite this, Argentina’s exit is unlikely to have a major impact on the WHO’s finances. As noted by Adorni, the country does not receive significant funding from the WHO, and thus, its departure will not result in a loss of critical financial support for the organization. The larger issue, however, is the political ramifications of Argentina’s decision. The move serves as a powerful statement about the growing rift between global health institutions and countries that feel sidelined by international governance structures. In this regard, Argentina’s withdrawal is seen as part of a broader global trend toward nationalist and protectionist policies that seek to prioritize domestic interests over international cooperation.
Furthermore, Argentina’s decision not to join the new pandemic protocol drawn up by the WHO last year further highlights the country’s rejection of international health governance. This protocol, which was intended to establish a framework for future pandemic preparedness and response, was met with resistance from several countries, including Argentina, which chose not to sign the agreement. The decision to withdraw from the WHO, combined with the refusal to join the pandemic protocol, reflects a growing sense of distrust in global health organizations and a desire to chart a different course in managing public health.
Milei’s presidency, which began in December 2023, has been marked by drastic austerity measures aimed at addressing Argentina’s economic challenges. His government has cut public spending, implemented harsh budgetary restrictions, and pushed for a zero-budget deficit. While these policies have been credited with helping Argentina achieve its largest-ever trade surplus in 2024, they have also come under heavy criticism for deepening poverty and exacerbating social inequality. The decision to withdraw from the WHO can be seen as part of Milei’s broader strategy of reducing Argentina’s financial obligations to international organizations and asserting greater control over domestic policy.
Milei’s political and economic approach has been heavily influenced by his admiration for Donald Trump. The Argentine president has praised Trump as an “ideological ally” and a “hero,” with the two leaders sharing a mutual disdain for globalist institutions and a preference for unilateral action. Milei’s visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after the latter’s 2024 election victory underscored the personal and political bond between the two. This connection is reflected in their shared skepticism of international bodies like the WHO, which both leaders have criticized for what they perceive as inefficiencies and excessive bureaucratic control.
Argentina’s exit from the WHO also raises questions about the future of global health governance. The WHO, which has long been a central player in coordinating international health responses, particularly during pandemics, will face significant challenges as more countries adopt nationalistic policies that prioritize sovereignty over multilateral cooperation. The withdrawal of the United States and Argentina from the WHO is likely to have lasting effects on the organization’s ability to function effectively in the future, particularly as it seeks to address global health crises that require coordinated action and collective resources.
In conclusion, Argentina’s decision to leave the World Health Organization is a significant political and economic development that reflects the growing influence of nationalist and populist movements in global governance. The move follows in the footsteps of the United States, which withdrew from the WHO under Trump’s leadership, and underscores the deepening divide between global health institutions and countries that seek greater autonomy in managing their own public health policies. As the world continues to grapple with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and prepares for future health crises, the actions of countries like Argentina and the United States will shape the future of global health governance and the role of international organizations like the WHO.