Argentina Officially Exits World Health Organization

Argentina has formally announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, a decision that reflects its commitment to health sovereignty and flexibility in policy-making. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno confirmed that the notification was sent to the UN Secretary-General, with the withdrawal taking effect a year later. The government aims to enhance its ability to tailor health policies to national interests without external interference. This move has sparked discussions about Argentina's future relations with other international organizations. Read on to discover the full implications of this significant decision.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 12:42 IST

Argentina's Withdrawal from WHO

Buenos Aires, March 18: Argentina has officially announced its departure from the World Health Organization (WHO), as confirmed by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno.

In a statement shared on social media, Quirno revealed that the notification regarding this decision was sent to the United Nations Secretary-General on March 17, 2025.

According to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, the withdrawal will take effect one year following this notification.

Quirno emphasized that Argentina will continue to foster international health cooperation through bilateral agreements and regional platforms, while maintaining its sovereignty and decision-making authority over health policies.

The Argentine government first disclosed its intention to withdraw from the WHO in February of the previous year.

During a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni stated that President Javier Milei had directed the foreign minister to initiate the withdrawal from the UN's specialized health agency.

Adorni noted that this decision would provide Argentina with enhanced flexibility to tailor health policies to its specific needs and interests, as well as improve resource availability, reinforcing the country's commitment to sovereignty in health matters.

On February 5, 2025, the government reiterated its decision to exit the WHO.

Adorni reiterated that Argentines would not permit any international organization to infringe upon their sovereignty, particularly concerning health issues.

He also clarified that Argentina did not rely on WHO funding for its health management, suggesting that the withdrawal would not result in a loss of financial resources or negatively impact service quality, contrary to some claims circulating on social media.

When questioned about the potential for Argentina to take similar actions regarding other international organizations, Adorni expressed uncertainty but highlighted the president's strong commitment to enhancing Argentina's autonomy.