US and Argentina launch initiative as alternative to WHO
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has met with Argentine President Javier Milei to discuss the establishment of an international health system as an alternative to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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Kennedy Jr. shared details of his meeting with Milei on his X social media account.
Noting that the decision of both countries to withdraw from the WHO was discussed during the meeting, Kennedy Jr. stated, "We held discussions on creating an alternative international health system free from totalitarian impulses, corruption, and political control."
In a joint statement issued by Kennedy Jr. and Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones, the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized, with the assessment that "this situation has underscored the urgent need for independent and science-based leadership in global health."
THE TWO COUNTRIES' WHO DECISION
On January 20, his first day in office, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change—which the US had rejoined under former President Joe Biden—and from the World Health Organization (WHO), a United Nations (UN) agency.
Argentine President Javier Milei had announced on February 6 that his country would withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to "deep differences."