Why the US and Argentina want to withdraw from the WHO

On January 20, the first day of Donald Trump's presidency, the United States—the largest contributor to the World Health Organisation (WHO)—announced its decision to withdraw from the body.

In 2020, the Trump administration notified the United Nations of its intention to withdraw from the WHO, citing several reasons for this decision.

The reasons cited included a perceived bias towards China, with the US arguing that the WHO was being overly lenient, allegedly downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and delaying the declaration of a global health emergency.

Additionally, the US government felt that its significant financial contributions to the WHO were not being utilised effectively.

However, six months into the negotiations and dialogues, The Biden administration took over and threw out the WHO exit plan.

Back in government, Trump holds the same stance.

And just when we thought only Trump could pull something like this off, Argentina's Milei said, "You haven't heard about me?"

The spokesperson for Javier Milei, who is considered Trump's greatest ally announced on February 5 the country's intention to withdraw from the WHO too. The spokesperson cited "deep differences" over the WHO's handling of health issues, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, spokesperson Manuel Adorni said, "a lack of independence from the political influence of other states" was another major reason.