Reasons Behind US and Argentina’s Withdrawal from the WHO

The U.S. and Argentina have expressed intentions to withdraw from the WHO, primarily due to concerns over the organization’s handling of COVID-19 and perceived biases, particularly towards China. The U.S. withdrawal was initiated under Trump, but despite the Biden administration’s reversal, Trump’s criticisms remain. Similarly, Argentina’s president Milei seeks to exit, citing political influences on health policy as a key issue.

The United States, being the largest contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO), announced its intention to withdraw on January 20, 2017, coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration. The Trump administration’s justification included allegations of bias favoring China and claims that the WHO had underestimated the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, thus delaying the declaration of a global health emergency. Furthermore, the administration criticized the efficacy of U.S. financial contributions to the organization.

However, the Biden administration discarded the withdrawal plan within six months. Despite this, Trump’s perspective on the WHO has not changed, maintaining his critical viewpoint on its operations. In a surprising parallel, Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, has also indicated a desire to exit the WHO, aligning his administration’s stance with Trump’s criticisms.

Milei’s spokesperson announced the intention to withdraw on February 5, citing serious concerns regarding the WHO’s responses to health crises, particularly its handling of COVID-19. The spokesperson highlighted significant issues concerning the organization’s political independence, suggesting that external state influence has compromised WHO decisions.

The WHO has been faced with significant scrutiny amid the pandemic, especially regarding its relationship with China. The criticism from both the U.S. and Argentina reflects broader concerns about the organization’s effectiveness and transparency in managing global health emergencies. Their decisions to exit stem from deep-seated frustrations over perceived political ties that affect health governance on a global scale.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been a critical entity in addressing global health issues, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Established as a specialized agency of the United Nations, the WHO coordinates international health activities and provides leadership on global health matters. Tensions have always existed regarding individual nations’ perceptions of the organization’s independence, efficiency, and political influence, particularly as a result of criticisms regarding its handling of pandemics and cooperation with countries like China.

The announcements by the United States and Argentina to withdraw from the WHO highlight significant concerns regarding the organization’s effectiveness and its alleged political biases. These withdrawals reflect broader frustrations with how global health governance has been shaped by international relations, particularly during health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing debate over the WHO’s role and influence underscores the complexities of global health policy.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com