Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering health news
Argentina Announces Withdrawal from the World Health Organization: A Bold Move or a Risky Decision?
Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, a decision that has led to a heated debate across both the country and the international arena. Argentine President Javier Milei, a known libertarian with nationwide strength on the importance of national sovereignty, defended the decision to leave by stating there are "profound differences" with this global health institution. Such a decision raises crucial questions regarding Argentina's future public health system and its capacity in the global health arena.
Underpinning reasons for withdrawal:
President Milei has been very vocal about his dissatisfaction with international organizations, claiming that they interfere with national decision-making. His main criticism of the WHO is based on how it handled the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the imposition of lockdowns and vaccination policies, which he says negatively affected economies and personal freedoms. According to Milei, the WHO's policies favored restrictive measures that led to economic collapse in many countries, including Argentina.
The withdrawal is part of his efforts to reduce the spending of the government and, at the same time, to decrease Argentina's financial obligations with international organizations. The annual contributions of Argentina to the WHO stand at around $8 million. The administration of Milei thinks that such money can be spent better on health programs at the local level.
Impact on the Health System of Argentina
One of the very first questions asked after this declaration is what will happen to Argentina's healthcare system. The WHO is integral in organizing, providing technical support, and even emergency medical assistance when crisis situations hit any country. If Argentina withdraws, it risks exclusion from WHO-led activities, which the country might otherwise have access to, such as global disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness programs, and essential medical supplies during emergencies.
But the ministry insists the withdrawal will not negatively affect the health care system of the country," said a statement. "Argentine officials believe that this country can establish its own strategy in health care and establish its own policies without reliance on international organizations, including the WHO."
Alternative partnerships with other nations and private healthcare organizations will fill the potential gap left by the WHO's absence, officials claim.
International Reactions
Argentina's recent move has drawn mixed reactions globally. Some countries interpret this move as a bold expression of national sovereignty, while other countries view this as an unnecessary risk that can isolate Argentina from critical global health efforts. Some critics argue that in an interdependent world, health challenges would require collaboration, not isolation. The WHO itself has not yet issued an official response, but health experts across the globe have expressed concerns over what this might mean for Argentina's public health policies in the long run.
Other political analysts have also noted a comparison between such a move by Milei and the former U.S. President Donald Trump who tried to withdraw the United States from the WHO in 2020, even though the current U.S. President Joe Biden rolled back the move by Trump. Whether Argentina takes the same step is yet unknown.
Argentina's withdrawal from the WHO is the epitome of the broader vision of the Milei administration to reduce reliance on international institutions. While the government assures the citizens that this action will not affect the health care system, critics warn that the risks of losing relations with a global health body are not worth it. The long-term effects of this action would depend on how Argentina managed its health policies when it was on its own and if it could replace the various WHO-supported programs with local or alternative international partnerships.
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