Argentina formally confirms its decision to leave the World Health Organization.
Argentina Finalizes Exit from the World Health Organization Amid Criticisms Over Pandemic Response
During a recent visit by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, to Buenos Aires, the Argentine government announced its formal withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). The decision follows the U.S. government's earlier announcement of its withdrawal made in January.
President Javier Milei's government contends that the WHO's regulations lack a scientific basis, instead being driven by political interests and bureaucratic structures. This criticism comes in response to the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, a concern shared by both the U.S. and Argentine administrations.
Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones met with Kennedy during his visit to discuss potential cooperation in health policy. The two ministers aim to develop a joint agenda that will strengthen transparency and trust within the healthcare system, reflecting a common vision between the two nations.
Addressing the WHO in a video message during a global pandemic agreement adoption last Tuesday, Kennedy called on other member states to consider withdrawing from the organization, like the U.S. and Argentina have done.
Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has been vocal in espousing conspiracy theories and promoting the debunked theory that childhood vaccinations cause autism. In April, he commissioned a corresponding study.
The Argentine government is undergoing a structural review of its national health agencies to improve efficiency and oversight. This initiative, coupled with the collaboration between Argentina and the U.S., signals a shift toward more independent and science-based global health initiatives.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as science plays a crucial role in understanding the health and wellness implications of such radiation. The policy-and-legislation shift away from the WHO, due to criticisms over its pandemic response, paves the way for cooperation in therapies-and-treatments focused on ionizing radiation, a matter of significant health concern. This political move, coupled with Kennedy's call for other countries to reconsider their WHO membership, could potentially influence the future of general news and global health policies.
