Overview
- The World Health Assembly recorded Argentina’s notification and adopted a consensus text that takes note of the country’s withdrawal, a step confirmed by member delegations on Friday, May 22, 2026.
- Buenos Aires celebrated the formal confirmation as the culmination of a process begun under President Javier Milei, with Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno saying Argentina retains the capacity to protect public health.
- WHO officials cautioned that calling the action a formal ‘withdrawal’ has legal nuance under the WHO constitution and said the agency remains available to assist Argentina if requested.
- Argentina’s health ministry says it will keep practical links with the Pan American Health Organization to buy vaccines and medicines and to coordinate technical work despite leaving WHO structures.
- Delegations voiced mixed reactions at the Assembly, some respecting Argentina’s sovereign choice while others called for clearer rules on future exits, a development that could affect WHO financing, global surveillance and regional cooperation.