Argentina Withdraws From World Health Organization Following U.S. Exit

Argentina formally withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 17, 2026, concluding a one-year notice period initiated by the government of Javier Milei. The decision follows a similar exit by the United States in January 2026 under President Donald Trump. Both administrations cited ideological opposition to the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with President Milei describing the agency as a "nefarious organisation" that used lockdowns as a tool for social control.

Argentine officials, including Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and spokesperson Manuel Adorni, argued that the withdrawal restores national health sovereignty and prevents "supranational impositions." To replace WHO membership, Argentina plans to pursue bilateral agreements and regional forums to create a "Latin American Health Shield," though it will remain a member of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterized the withdrawals as "shortsighted and misguided," warning that the loss of these two economies creates a "dangerous void" in global disease surveillance. The departures have triggered a funding and leadership crisis, prompting the Director-General to hold emergency consultations to find replacement resources. Critics warn the move will increase the cost of vaccines and HIV treatments for Argentina and disproportionately impact African nations relying on the agency for outbreak response.