Argentina has announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), following the US decision. Government spokesperson Manuel Adorni stated that President Javier Milei instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to initiate the exit. The government cited major disagreements over the WHO’s pandemic management as the reason.
This decision reflects growing distrust toward international organizations. The US set the precedent, with former President Donald Trump taking strong actions against multiple UN bodies.
Trump recently intensified his campaign against the United Nations (UN). He ended cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council and halted funding for the Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA). Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from UNESCO.
His directive even calls for a review of all international organizations where the US holds membership. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has 180 days to assess whether these institutions align with US interests. The World Trade Organization (WTO) may also come under scrutiny.
As the US weakens ties with the UN, China steps in. Beijing has pledged to support multilateralism and expand its global influence. Experts like Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group believe China will take advantage of this shift.
The US was the primary financial contributor to several UN agencies. In 2022, it provided nearly one-third of UNRWA’s budget. Now, Trump has completely halted these payments. He also cut funding to the UN Human Rights Council, accusing it of bias against Israel and supporting authoritarian regimes.
The US may soon leave UNESCO, further weakening its global role. As Argentina follows the US, the future of international institutions remains uncertain.