Both the United States and Argentina have expressed intentions to withdraw from the World Health Organization due to dissatisfaction with its COVID-19 response and perceived biases, particularly in favor of China. President Trump initiated the US withdrawal process in 2020, which the Biden administration later reversed. Recently, Argentina’s Javier Milei announced similar plans, emphasizing disagreements over the WHO’s management of health issues.
The United States, the largest financial contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO), first announced its intent to withdraw from the organization on January 20, 2017, coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration. In 2020, the Trump administration formally expressed its desire to exit the WHO, citing a perceived bias towards China and accusations that the organization had downplayed the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic while delaying its emergency declaration. Furthermore, the US administration criticized the WHO for ineffective utilization of its monetary contributions.
Despite these intentions, the Biden administration subsequent to taking office decided to reverse the Trump-era withdrawal strategy. Nevertheless, Trump has maintained his critical stance towards the WHO. In a surprising development, on February 5, 2023, Argentina’s Javier Milei, a political ally of Trump, announced his country’s intention to withdraw from the WHO as well, citing “deep differences” regarding the organization’s management of health matters, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in international health policy, particularly during global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States has historically been a significant supporter, both financially and politically. However, the increasing tension regarding the WHO’s perceived alignment with China and the handling of the pandemic has prompted calls for withdrawal from notable leaders like Donald Trump and Javier Milei. Understanding the geopolitical implications of these actions requires an analysis of the motivations behind them.
In conclusion, the United States and Argentina’s intentions to withdraw from the WHO stem from dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and perceptions of bias. The political ramifications of these decisions highlight the intersection of health policy and international relations, with both countries seeking to realign their health strategies outside of the WHO framework. Given the critical role of the WHO during global health emergencies, these withdrawals may impact global cooperation in health policies significantly.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
