Buenos Aires: In a significant move, Argentina’s President Javier Milei has ordered the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing “profound differences” with the U.N. agency. The decision, announced Wednesday by a presidential spokesperson, mirrors the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump, who began the process of pulling the United States out of the WHO with an executive order on January 21.

Milei's decision is expected to have a limited financial impact on the WHO, as Argentina's contribution to the organization's estimated $6.9 billion 2024-2025 budget was projected to be around USD 8 million. However, the move adds to the growing divide within global health cooperation.

According to presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, Argentina’s withdrawal stems from “profound differences in health management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Adorni criticized the WHO's guidelines during the pandemic, which he said led to the “largest shutdown in the history of mankind.”

Milei's government also emphasized that Argentina would not tolerate international interference in its sovereignty, particularly in health matters. Adorni further argued that the WHO lacks independence due to the political influence of certain countries, though he did not specify which ones.

WHO has stated that it is reviewing Argentina’s announcement, but the organization has no authority to compel countries to follow specific health guidelines, and many nations have previously ignored its recommendations.

During the pandemic, Milei was a vocal critic of the lockdown imposed by former President Alberto Fernandez, arguing that it damaged the economy and was used as a tool of repression. Milei’s government also refused to sign a WHO agreement on pandemic management last year, citing concerns over national sovereignty.

Despite the decision, Adorni insisted that Argentina’s withdrawal would not affect the quality of its health services and would provide greater flexibility in implementing policies that align with the country's national interests.

The announcement comes ahead of Milei’s upcoming trip to the U.S. later this month, which will coincide with the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) summit in Washington. It is not yet confirmed whether Milei will attend or meet with Trump during the event.