Background on Argentina’s Decision and Key Players
Argentina has recently confirmed its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and reaffirmed alignment with the United States on health matters during a visit to Buenos Aires by U.S. Secretary of Health, Robert F. Kennedy.
The government led by Javier Milei justified this move from the multilateral organization, stating in a press release that WHO’s recommendations are ineffective because they are not grounded in science but rather political interests and bureaucratic structures resistant to acknowledging their own mistakes.
This decision was initially announced in February by the ultraliberal president, following in Donald Trump’s footsteps who had announced the U.S.’s withdrawal in January.
Milei’s Criticism of WHO
Milei described the WHO’s management during the COVID-19 pandemic as “detrimental” and criticized their “caveman-like quarantine.”
Collaboration and Restructuring of Argentina’s Health System
The meeting between Kennedy and Argentine Minister of Health, Mario Lugones, aimed to establish “a work agenda that will strengthen transparency and trust in the health system through a preventive approach, food security, and efficient spending.”
Lugones expressed, “Together with Robert Kennedy, we believe in the future of global health collaboration. We share similar views on the path forward.”
Kennedy, who plans to meet President Milei on Wednesday, has encouraged other countries to leave the WHO and establish alternative institutions. He claimed during a UN assembly speech that the WHO is moribund, influenced by China, gender ideology, and pharmaceutical industry.
Restructuring Argentina’s National Health Organizations
In addition to the WHO exit, Argentina announced a “structural review” of its national health organizations to “order, update, and increase transparency in the structures and processes” of their healthcare system. This review aims to address years of overlapping responsibilities, outdated norms, and insufficient oversight.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Robert F. Kennedy? He is the U.S. Secretary of Health who visited Argentina to discuss health collaboration and reaffirm shared views with the Milei administration.
- Why is Argentina leaving the WHO? The Milei government believes that WHO’s recommendations lack scientific backing and are driven by political interests and bureaucratic resistance to change.
- What is the significance of this decision? Argentina follows the U.S.’s lead in withdrawing from the WHO, potentially impacting global health cooperation and the fight against diseases like COVID-19.
- What changes will Argentina implement in its health system? The government plans to restructure national health organizations, aiming for increased transparency, updated processes, and efficient resource allocation.
