BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — 18 March 2026 — President Javier Milei’s administration has formally completed the process for Argentina to withdraw from the World Health Organisation (WHO), framing the move as a step toward “health sovereignty” while insisting that the country will maintain cooperation with other nations through bilateral and regional agreements.
The announcement was delivered on Tuesday by the Ministry of Health, which stated that the government had notified the WHO of its decision after months of internal review. Officials said the withdrawal aligns with Milei’s broader push to reduce Argentina’s participation in multilateral institutions he views as inefficient or overly interventionist.
According to senior government sources, the decision was based on what they described as a need for “greater autonomy in public‑health decision‑making,” particularly in areas such as regulatory standards, emergency response protocols, and pharmaceutical policy. The administration has argued that Argentina can secure technical support and medical cooperation without relying on global bodies.
Health Minister Mario Russo told reporters that the withdrawal “does not mean isolation” and that Argentina intends to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries and strategic partners. “We will continue to collaborate internationally, but through mechanisms that respect national priorities,” he said, adding that the government is already exploring new agreements with regional blocs and individual states.
Public‑health experts in Argentina expressed mixed reactions. Some analysts noted that the WHO provides valuable technical guidance, disease‑surveillance networks, and access to global health initiatives that may be difficult to replace. Others said the government’s emphasis on bilateral cooperation could still allow Argentina to participate in research, training, and emergency‑response systems, depending on how new agreements are structured.
Opposition lawmakers criticised the move as “reckless,” arguing that the WHO played a crucial role during the COVID‑19 pandemic and continues to support national immunisation and disease‑monitoring programmes. Several medical associations also urged the government to clarify how Argentina will maintain access to global health data and early‑warning systems.
International reaction has been limited so far. A spokesperson for the WHO said the organisation had received Argentina’s notification and would “continue to support the Argentine people through existing channels for as long as possible,” noting that member‑state withdrawals follow established procedures under the WHO Constitution.
Argentina’s exit is expected to take effect after a standard notice period, during which the government must settle outstanding financial obligations. Officials did not specify the total amount owed.
For now, the Milei administration maintains that the shift marks a “new chapter” in Argentina’s health policy. “We are not stepping away from the world,” Russo said. “We are redefining how we engage with it.”