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Kennedy and Milei Strengthen Alliance Against WHO, Pledge to Forge New Health Framework
On Tuesday, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with Argentine President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires. The meeting reaffirmed plans for both nations to withdraw from the World Health Organization and establish a new international health framework.
The encounter showcased two distinctly unconventional political figures. Javier Milei, a libertarian economist recognized for his agenda to reduce government expenditure, stood alongside Kennedy, a prominent skeptic of pandemic-related mandates who served under President Trump. Together, they expressed their commitment to challenging what they describe as global overreach and politicized health policies.
During Kennedy’s visit, Argentina officially confirmed its exit from the WHO, following Milei’s initial declaration earlier this year. This move aligns with Trump’s renewed commitment to withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO as part of his agenda titled “Make America Healthy Again.”
Milei’s administration criticized the WHO, branding its response to COVID-19 as a failure. They argued that the recommendations from the organization are not grounded in science but rather influenced by political agendas and bureaucratic inertia. They highlighted the WHO’s lockdown strategies, dubbing them a “caveman quarantine.”
Kennedy expressed solidarity with this viewpoint, advocating for other countries to exit the WHO. In a recent address at the World Health Assembly, he argued that the organization has become entangled with foreign governments and corporate interests, necessitating a new approach to global health.
Following their discussion, Kennedy took to social media platform X to state, “I had a wonderful meeting with President Milei about the mutual withdrawal of our nations from the WHO and the creation of an alternative international health system, free from totalitarian impulses, corruption, and political control.”
Both leaders pledged that their new alliance would prioritize scientific integrity, individual freedoms, and national sovereignty. They regard this initiative as a counteraction to the interference of global agencies, which they claim undermines national health policies.
This meeting also underscored aligned philosophies between Kennedy and Milei. Since taking office, Milei vowed to significantly reduce Argentina’s extensive public spending. His campaign famously featured a chainsaw, symbolizing his intent to implement strict budget cuts. Since then, he has proceeded to cut public salaries, halt state projects, and discontinue energy subsidies.
These assertive measures have proven effective, resulting in Argentina achieving its first budget surplus in nearly 15 years and significantly lowering monthly inflation rates.
Kennedy’s agenda aligns closely with Milei’s anti-establishment approach, albeit in the health sector. The Trump administration’s health strategy has aimed to curb federal overreach, promote science-driven policies, and enhance transparency in public health approaches.
Significantly, this meeting marks an evolving alignment between Argentina’s government and the current U.S. administration. Recently, Milei has welcomed top American officials and shown interest in cultivating robust ties with Washington. By joining the U.S. in its rejection of the WHO, Milei emerges as the first international leader to openly support Trump’s push for health sovereignty.
This decision constitutes a considerable shift from Argentina’s traditional international alliances and may inspire other nations to consider similar exits from global health organizations. Both Milei and Kennedy frame their initiative as the onset of a more accountable and independent global health network.
Reactions and Concerns
Despite the enthusiasm from both leaders, critics—including segments of Argentina’s opposition—caution that withdrawing from the WHO could hinder access to crucial funding and vaccines. Global health experts largely endorse the WHO’s role in international health, even while acknowledging its shortcomings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, Milei and Kennedy appear undeterred by these criticisms. Argentina’s health minister expressed optimism about the shared vision between the two governments, emphasizing their commitment to reform and transparency.
A New Era in Global Health Governance
Ultimately, the partnership between Kennedy and Milei could reshape the landscape of international health governance. Their appeal to prioritize national interests over global mandates may resonate with other nations evaluating their relationships with the WHO and similar organizations.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the meeting and its implications.
As the world continues to grapple with health crises, the decisions made by leaders like Kennedy and Milei will be closely monitored. Their collective efforts might not only redefine their countries’ public health strategies but also influence a broader trend toward rethinking global health collaboration.
