The Blubber

Argentina has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following a similar move made by U.S. President Donald Trump last month.

"President Javier Milei has instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to initiate Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization," said presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni during a press conference on Wednesday.

"We Argentinians will not tolerate international organizations interfering with our sovereignty—especially in matters of health," Adorni stated.

According to Adorni, the decision stems from "deep disagreements over health management, particularly during the pandemic," which he blamed for imposing the "longest lockdown in human history" and compromising national independence under political pressure from certain states.

A statement from the presidential office accused WHO of causing severe economic damage during the COVID-19 pandemic by "promoting endless quarantines."

"It’s time for the international community to reconsider the purpose of supranational organizations—funded by all—when they fail to achieve their intended goals, engage in political maneuvering, and seek to override the sovereignty of member nations," the statement read.

Although WHO has operations in Argentina, Adorni emphasized that the country does not rely on WHO funding for its healthcare system. "This decision will not result in any loss of funds for Argentina, nor will it affect the quality of our health services," he explained.

He argued that the move would grant Argentina "greater flexibility to implement policies that align with national interests" and "free up resources for the country’s priorities."

"This step reaffirms our commitment to being a nation with sovereignty—even in matters of health," Adorni added.

CNN has reached out to WHO for comment.

WHO has previously defended its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, when Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. funding, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned, "If you don’t want many more body bags, then refrain from politicizing it."

Last month, on the first day of his second term, Trump renewed his attack on the WHO, announcing his intention to pull the U.S. out of the organization—a move widely criticized by public health experts.