Argentina follows US, withdraws from WHO

The World Health Organization’s member states on Friday reached a consensus to note Argentina’s notification of withdrawal from the WHO, adding they would always welcome full cooperation from Buenos Aires.

At the 79th annual World Health Assembly of member states, which is the WHO’s decision-making body, countries had to consider Argentina’s wish to follow the United States and withdraw from the health agency of the United Nations.

The assembly considered several proposals regarding Argentina’s withdrawal notification, and agreed a compromise text by consensus.

The assembly “noted” the communication received by UN chief Antonio Guterres on March 17, 2025 notifying him that Argentina withdraws from the WHO, “effective one year after the receipt of that letter”.

The assembly “resolves that while the World Health Organization will always welcome the Argentine Republic’s full co-operation in the work of the organisation, it is not considered that any further action at this stage is desirable”, the approved, brief resolution said.

Norway and Paraguay were the main drivers behind the compromise.

Buenos Aires was a minor contributor to the WHO’s budget. The G20 country’s membership fees for 2024 and 2025 were around $4.1 million a year.

A report by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in January recalled that in 1949-1950, seven member states — including the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria — issued notice saying they no longer considered themselves members.

When they resumed participation, the assembly decided they would pay a “token payment” for the period when their membership was inactive.

The resolution adopted Friday used exactly the same language as member states did in 1950.

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