Argentina formally withdraws from World Health Organization
Argentina has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno confirmed.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Quirno said the country had communicated its decision through a formal note to the United Nations Secretary-General on March 17, 2025. In line with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, the withdrawal has now taken effect one year after the notification.
“Our country will continue to promote international cooperation in health through bilateral agreements and regional forums, while fully safeguarding its sovereignty and decision-making capacity in health policy,” Quirno said.
Decision announced in 2025
The Argentine government had first announced its intention to withdraw from the WHO in February 2025.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni had stated at the time that President Javier Milei had instructed the foreign ministry to exit the UN specialised agency.
Adorni had said the move would give Argentina greater flexibility to design health policies suited to national priorities, while also improving the availability of resources and reinforcing the country’s sovereignty in health matters.
Sovereignty and policy flexibility cited
Officials maintained that Argentina does not rely on WHO funding for its health programmes, arguing that the withdrawal would not impact the quality of healthcare services.
The government also rejected concerns raised on social media, asserting that the decision would allow the country to independently shape its public health strategies without external interference.
When asked about the possibility of withdrawing from other international organisations, Adorni had said no decision had been taken, but emphasised the administration’s broader goal of making Argentina “freer” in its policy choices.
The move marks a significant shift in Argentina’s engagement with global health institutions, even as it signals continued cooperation through bilateral and regional frameworks.
