By Bunmi Yekini
Argentina has completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, the government said on Tuesday, formally severing ties with the global health body after a year-long process.
Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno confirmed the move in a social media post, saying the decision took effect one year after Buenos Aires submitted formal notice to the Geneva-based agency.
“Argentina will continue to promote international cooperation in health through bilateral agreements and regional forums, while fully preserving its sovereignty and its capacity to make decisions regarding health policies,” Quirno said.
The withdrawal was first announced in early 2025 by President Javier Milei, whose government has criticised multilateral institutions and what it describes as their influence on domestic policymaking.
Milei, a libertarian leader, had sharply criticised the WHO’s guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly measures such as masking, social distancing and vaccination campaigns, which he described as excessive state control.
Argentina’s decision mirrors a similar move by the United States under President Donald Trump, who also announced a withdrawal from the WHO earlier this year, citing concerns over the agency’s role and policy direction.
The WHO, which counts 194 member states, provides guidance on global health issues, tracks disease outbreaks and supports healthcare systems, but does not impose policies on governments.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus previously criticised Washington’s decision to leave the agency, warning that such moves could weaken global health security.