Argentina formally withdraws from WHO

• Argentina formally withdrew from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on March 17.

• The country follows the path of the United States which took the same step earlier this year.

• The United States formalised its WHO withdrawal on January 22, a year after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to exit the UN health body.

• In February 2025, Argentina’s President Javier Milei announced the decision to leave WHO, criticising the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• On March 17, 2025, the UN Secretary-General received a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina notifying the country’s denunciation of the Constitution of the World Health Organisation. 

• The letter invoked the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and stated that withdrawal would take effect one year from the date of receipt of the letter.

• The foreign ministry said Argentina has now completed the withdrawal process within the timeframe stipulated by international treaties.

WHO Member States

• The WHO plays an essential role improving local health systems and coordinating the global response to health threats.

• All countries which are Members of the United Nations may become members of WHO by accepting its Constitution.

• Other countries may be admitted as members when their application has been approved by a simple majority vote of the World Health Assembly. 

• Territories which are not responsible for the conduct of their international relations may be admitted as Associate Members upon application made on their behalf by the Member or other authority responsible for their international relations. 

• Members of WHO are grouped according to regional distribution.

• WHO works with all Member States to support them to achieve the highest standard of health for all people.

• The World Health Assembly is WHO’s highest level decision-making forum. Every year, delegates from all Member States convene at the World Health Assembly to set priorities and chart a course for global health progress. 

• The Member States elect the Director-General, who leads the organisation in achieving its global health goals.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)