Argentina affirms its departure from the World Health Organization
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Visits Argentina, Reinforces Government's Stand Against WHO
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently held talks in Buenos Aires with President Javier Milei and Health Minister Mario Lugones. The discussions centered around aligning the Argentine government's health policies with the U.S. administration's stance, particularly their criticisms of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The meeting came amid continued criticism of the WHO concerning its perceived unscientific approach and political influence. During the discussions, both Kennedy and Lugones argued that WHO's prescriptions are not grounded in science but are instead driven by political interests. This impedes countries' health sovereignty, they claimed.
Furthermore, the discussions focused on Argentina's ongoing health reforms, such as implementing electronic prescriptions and promoting the use of biosimilars. The parties also discussed healthcare deregulation, which reflects renewed support from the U.S. for Argentina's government, especially in light of President Milei's ties to the Trump administration.
Notably, Argentina had announced its decision to withdraw from the WHO in February, following the U.S. government's lead. Both governments have since been criticizing the WHO, particularly for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a global pandemic agreement adoption last week in Geneva, Kennedy urged WHO member states to withdraw from the organization, further emphasizing their shared concerns.
As a renowned environmental lawyer, Kennedy has gained attention for promoting conspiracy theories. One of his recurring advocacies is the debunked theory that childhood vaccinations cause autism, which he has persistently advocated for. In April, he ordered a study on this topic.
The Argentine government's withdrawal from the WHO, reinforced during Kennedy's visit, could have significant implications for global health governance. It might lead to a reevaluation of supranational organizations like the WHO and potentially result in new alliances in global health policy. Moving forward, Argentina plans to focus on internal reforms, including reviewing national health organizations and promoting safer food and drugs.
As meetings and discussions between U.S. and Argentine officials continue, the partnership is likely to be strengthened, with both nations exploring new health policies in light of their shared traditional values and zeal for reform.
- In light of the discussions, our government, alongside the U.S., has been urged to submit a proposal for directives in policy-and-legislation, focusing on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the realm of science and health-and-wellness, given the perceived unscientific approach and political influence of the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The Argentine government's withdrawal from the WHO and its stance against the WHO, reinforced during Kennedy's visit, could lead to a transformation in global health governance, potentially resulting in new alliances and fostering innovative health policies that align with traditional values and the zeal for reform.
- As a matter of internal reforms, Argentina plans to focus on reviewing national health organizations, promoting safer food and drugs, and advocating for policies grounded in science, distancing itself from political interests that may jeopardize health sovereignty, as witnessed in the recent discussions with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the WHO.
