USA and Argentina withdraw from the WHO

Translated by Federico Emanuele

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1948 with the aim of promoting global health, monitoring health threats, and coordinating international responses to health emergencies while providing support to national health systems. As of today, the WHO has 194 member states and has been at the forefront of the fight against diseases such as polio, smallpox, and, more recently, in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the WHO has faced numerous criticisms from some member states concerning its management of health crises and the perceived political influence within the organization. These tensions have led some countries, notably the United States and Argentina, to consider withdrawing from the organization.

In January 2025, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed an executive order to initiate the process of withdrawing the United States from the WHO, citing the failed management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the excessive political influence of some member states within the organization. Trump criticized the WHO for its alleged closeness to China during the initial handling of the pandemic and expressed dissatisfaction with the disproportionate financial contributions of the United States compared to other superpowers, particularly China. According to the executive order, the withdrawal of the United States will become effective on January 22, 2026, one year after the formal notification to the United Nations. This decision has raised global concerns as the United States is one of the main funders of the WHO, contributing about 15% of the organization's total budget. Their exit would result in a reduction of funds available for essential health programs, particularly in developing countries. Moreover, the absence of the United States could affect the geopolitical balance within the WHO, offering other countries, such as China, the opportunity to increase their influence within the organization.

Shortly after the United States' announcement, Argentina followed suit: the Argentine President, Javier Milei, declared the country's withdrawal from the WHO, citing "profound differences" regarding health management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Milei criticized the lockdown measures promoted by the WHO, calling them "the longest lockdown in history" and, following the U.S. line, expressed concern over the organization's lack of independence from the political influence of some states.

The presidential spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, emphasized that Argentina will not allow an international organization to interfere with its sovereignty, especially in matters of health. This stance taken by Argentina has sparked further domestic debates and concerns about the potential consequences for the country's public health. Although the government has stated that the exit from the WHO will not affect the quality of healthcare services and that Argentina does not receive direct funding from the organization, some experts fear that the country may lose access to important international health programs and resources.

These recent developments highlight a growing trend towards health nationalism and distrust of international organizations, with potentially significant implications for global health cooperation. In an era where infectious diseases do not respect national borders, international collaboration is essential for addressing health emergencies.

From the WHO's side, an invitation has been extended to the United States and Argentina to reconsider their positions, emphasizing international cooperation in promoting global health and highlighting the successes achieved through collaboration with all member states. The WHO has also stated its commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised and to further strengthen its effectiveness and transparency.

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