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Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization marks a significant shift in global health politics, with implications for transparency and accountability.
The decision by Argentina to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) was initially announced in February by President Javier Milei, following a similar move by his US counterpart ‘Donald Trump‘ . This development marks a significant shift in global health politics, with implications for the future of international cooperation on health issues.
In May 2009, Argentina withdrew its delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to a dispute over funding and representation.
The country had been a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1948 and was one of the founding members of the Pan American Sanitary Code.
However, in 2007, Argentina's government announced that it would withdraw its delegation unless certain demands were met, including increased funding and greater decision-making power.
The withdrawal was seen as a symbolic protest against the WHO's perceived lack of attention to developing countries' health needs.
The Argentine government has justified its departure from the WHO by citing concerns over the agency’s management and decision-making processes. In a statement, Milei’s government claimed that the ‘WHO’s prescriptions are not based on science but rather on political interests and bureaucratic structures that refuse to review their own mistakes’ . This criticism echoes Buenos Aires‘ previous accusations of ‘disastrous’ management during the Covid-19 pandemic, characterized by its ‘caveman quarantine’ policies_.
During President Milei‘s visit to Buenos Aires, he met with US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., who has been a vocal critic of the WHO. Kennedy‘s meeting with Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones was seen as an opportunity to discuss joint work agendas that would strengthen transparency and trust in the health system. The two leaders shared similar visions about the path forward, with ‘Kennedy urging other governments to withdraw from the agency and create alternative institutions’.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an American environmental attorney and author, has faced criticism for his views on vaccines and public health policies.
Critics argue that he spreads misinformation about vaccine safety, which can lead to decreased vaccination rates and increased risk of preventable diseases.
Some have also criticized his association with anti-vaccination groups and his promotion of unproven medical treatments.
Additionally, Kennedy's views on public health have been influenced by his work as a lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council, where he advocated for environmental causes.
The Argentine government has also announced a ‘structural review’ of national health agencies, aimed at organizing, updating, and making transparent the structures and processes of the health system. This move is seen as an attempt to address years of overlap, outdated regulations, and limited oversight in the sector.
The decision by Argentina to withdraw from the WHO has significant implications for global health cooperation. As a major player in regional health politics, Buenos Aires‘ move may influence other countries to reevaluate their relationships with the agency. The meeting between Kennedy and Lugones highlights the growing interest in alternative institutions that prioritize transparency and accountability over bureaucratic structures.
Alternative healthcare institutions have gained popularity globally, driven by increasing dissatisfaction with traditional medical systems.
These institutions offer holistic approaches to health, focusing on prevention and wellness rather than treatment.
According to a study, 38% of Americans use complementary or alternative therapies, with acupuncture being the most popular choice.
Alternative healthcare institutions often combine conventional medicine with natural remedies, such as herbalism and homeopathy.
The growth of these institutions is attributed to changing lifestyles, increased awareness about health, and growing distrust in traditional medical systems.
