Argentina Ratifies WHO Withdrawal During RFK Jr Visit

Argentina has officially ratified its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move initially announced by President Javier Milei in February and following the earlier decision by the United States under former President Donald Trump. The Argentine government criticized the WHO for being influenced by political interests, China, gender ideology, and the pharmaceutical industry, and condemned its management during the COVID-19 pandemic as "disastrous". The announcement coincided with a visit from US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure known for his vaccine skepticism, who supports withdrawing from the WHO and urged other governments to create alternative global health institutions. During his visit, Kennedy met with Argentina's Health Minister Mario Lugones to establish a joint agenda aimed at improving transparency and trust in the health system, focusing on prevention, food safety, and health spending efficiency. Argentina also announced a comprehensive review of its national health agencies to modernize and increase oversight of its health system. Both countries expressed optimism about deepening collaboration in global health despite Argentina's departure from the WHO.