Argentina to withdraw from WHO, following Trump's lead
What's the story
Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following a similar move by United States President Donald Trump last month.
The announcement was made by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni at a news conference on Wednesday.
Adorni said that the decision stems from "profound differences regarding...health management, especially during the pandemic."
"We Argentinians will not allow an international organization to intervene in our sovereignty, much less in our health," presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni added.
Criticism voiced
Argentina criticizes WHO's pandemic response
Adorni also criticized the WHO for advocating "endless quarantines," which caused severe economic damage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although WHO works in Argentina, Adorni claims his country doesn't receive WHO funding for health management.
"Therefore, this measure... does not represent a loss of funds for the country nor does it affect the quality of services," he said.
He said that the withdrawal will provide Argentina "greater flexibility to implement policies" in its interests, as well as "greater availability of resources."
Regional trend
Argentina's move reflects broader regional trend
Argentina's withdrawal from the WHO is just a part of a larger trend in the region that has followed Trump's policies on border security, trade, etc.
For example, Ecuador recently slapped a tariff on Mexican goods, while El Salvador offered to imprison deported criminals from the US as part of a deal with Washington.
Under the Biden administration, the United States remained the WHO's largest funder, accounting for about one-fifth of the agency's budget in 2023.