Argentina leaves the WHO under the Milei government

Argentina formalizes its withdrawal from the WHO, a historic decision that questions global health multilateralism.

Publicado 17 marzo, 2026 el 17 de marzo a las 21:12 | 2 mins reading |2,443 vistas | por Ana Rodríguez

Argentina takes the step: it officially withdraws from the WHO

The government of Javier Milei made effective this Tuesday a decision that had been brewing since 2025. Argentina is no longer a member of the World Health Organization. A radical movement that places the country in a very small club, where only the United States is a prominent partner.

The reason? Profound differences, according to the Executive. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The Government maintains that the WHO showed structural failures during the pandemic and questions its independence in the face of international political pressures.

Translation: they don’t trust the body. They believe he lost his way when he was needed most.

Health sovereignty vs. global cooperation

This is not an isolated whim. It is part of a broader strategy to, in his words, reinforce “health sovereignty.” Basically, they want public health decisions to be made in Buenos Aires, not Geneva.

It is part of a global trend of questioning multilateralism. Argentina looks north and follows the steps that the United States had already taken in recent years.

But here comes the legal problem. The WHO constitution does not explicitly contemplate the unilateral departure of its members.

As “La Nación” pointed out in its previous coverage of the process, […] which generated legal and institutional debates about the validity and specific effects of the decision.

In Creole: They may have broken down the door, but no one is sure if they had a key. The legal debates are served.

And now what? Argentina is left out of the main world health forum. No vote in decisions, possibly with limited access to certain programs and early warnings. A real experiment, with real consequences for millions of people.

Milei is strongly committed to a hyper-sovereign vision of the world. Time will tell if this move strengthens the Argentine health system… or isolates it at a time when pandemics know no borders.

International

Uncertain return to southern Lebanon after agreement between Washington and Tehran

Families return to Nabatiye after USA-Iran pact, but violence persists.

Publicado 4 hours ago el 17 de junio a las 14:48 | 1 min reading

Gradual return amid uncertainty

In the city of Nabatiye, southern Lebanon, residents have begun to gradually return to their homes. The reason: the announcement of an agreement between the United States and Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East. However, in reality, the fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah group has not completely stopped. The region remains immersed in uncertainty.

Families like Aida Jleilati’s returned to check what was left of their homes after the recent airstrikes. In many cases, residents barely managed to rescue personal belongings from the rubble. The majority continue to be displaced in other areas of the country due to the lack of basic conditions to live in their homes.

The diplomatic agreement generates expectations of a decrease in hostilities, but on the ground the reality is different. The violence does not stop, and those who return do so with the hope of rebuilding their lives, although the path remains uncertain.

International

Russian artist critical of Putin deprived of life in Poland

A Kremlin critic is shot at his home in eastern Poland.

Publicado 5 hours ago el 17 de junio a las 13:44 | 1 min reading

Attack details

A 44-year-old Russian artist, known for his criticism of President Vladimir Putin, was shot near his home in Biala Podlaska, eastern Poland. The Polish prosecutor’s office confirmed the incident that occurred on Monday morning.

The victim was identified as Robert K., although local media named him as Robert Kuzovkov. He used the artistic pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky. In his works, he portrayed figures such as Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in a negative light.

Reactions and investigation

The fact has generated concern among opponents of the Russian regime who reside in Europe. They fear for their safety abroad. Polish authorities have already launched an investigation to clarify the incident.

No arrests have been reported and no motives are known. The prosecution does not rule out any line of investigation.

International

United Kingdom investigates incident with Russian ship in the English Channel

A British yacht reported warning detonations from a Russian ship off the Isle of Wight.

Publicado 6 hours ago el 17 de junio a las 12:34 | 1 min reading

Investigation in progress

The British Ministry of Defense is investigating an incident in the English Channel where a Russian warship reportedly fired warning shots at a UK-flagged yacht.

The incident occurred on Tuesday about 32 kilometers south of the Isle of Wight, outside British territorial waters. According to the yacht’s report, the shots were fired approximately 460 meters away.

The British authorities indicated that there were no injuries or property damage. However, they described the episode as serious and are analyzing it carefully.

The British Army is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances. These types of interactions in the English Channel raise concerns about maritime security in the region.

The canal is a crucial shipping lane for international trade and transportation. Any incident of this nature can have repercussions on diplomatic relations between the countries involved. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.