Overview

• Argentina officially ratified its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization during US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s visit to Buenos Aires on May 27.
• The withdrawal process began in January with President Trump’s executive order and continued in February under President Javier Milei, culminating in Argentina’s final approval this week.
• In a joint statement, Kennedy and Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones cited the WHO’s politicization, disproportionate financial demands and failures to implement meaningful reforms as drivers of their decision.
• They criticized the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged undue influence from China, gender ideology and the pharmaceutical industry for impairing transparency and timely information sharing.
• US and Argentine officials are launching an alternative international health system predicated on scientific integrity, inviting other nations to join a network emphasizing sovereignty and open collaboration.