Argentina has taken a decisive step on the global stage by ratifying its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that underscores President Javier Milei’s alignment with the United States under President Donald Trump. The decision, announced in February 2025, was reaffirmed during a visit by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Buenos Aires, signaling a deepening collaboration between the two nations. This geopolitical shift has sparked global debate, with implications for health policy, international relations, and Argentina’s domestic landscape.
A Controversial Exit from WHO
In a statement released on May 26, 2025, Milei’s administration criticized the WHO, asserting that its policies are driven by “political interests and bureaucratic structures” rather than science. The government specifically pointed to the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, labeling its lockdown recommendations as a “caveman quarantine” that caused economic devastation. This echoes sentiments expressed by Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the WHO in January 2025, citing similar concerns about inefficiency and external influence.
The withdrawal has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of Milei argue that it reclaims national sovereignty and rejects globalist agendas, while critics warn that it could isolate Argentina from international health cooperation, potentially impacting access to global health resources. The decision aligns with Milei’s broader libertarian agenda, which emphasizes deregulation and reduced government intervention.
[](https://www.newsweek.com/javier-milei-has-been-disaster-argentina-opinion-2066194)Collaboration with Washington: A New Health Agenda
During Kennedy’s visit, he met with Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones to outline a joint health agenda focused on “transparency and trust.” Both leaders expressed a shared vision for reforming health systems, prioritizing individual freedoms and scientific rigor over centralized mandates. Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism, also met with Milei to discuss further collaboration, reinforcing Argentina’s alignment with the Trump administration’s health policies.
[](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-27/milei-burnishes-his-trump-ties-by-hosting-health-chief-rfk-jr)This partnership comes at a time when Argentina is undergoing a “structural review” of its national health agencies. The government aims to streamline operations, eliminate outdated regulations, and enhance oversight, addressing long-standing issues of inefficiency and overlap. This move is part of Milei’s broader austerity program, which has already sparked controversy due to cuts in public spending on education and healthcare.
[](https://www.npr.org/2025/05/15/nx-s1-5399047/argentina-immigration-crackdown-maga-trump-milei)Javier Milei: Achievements and Controversies
Javier Milei, Argentina’s libertarian president, has been a polarizing figure since taking office. His economic reforms, including a record fiscal surplus and currency stabilization, have been hailed as successes by his supporters. However, his policies, such as the recent immigration crackdown and deep budget cuts, have drawn criticism for exacerbating inequality and straining public services. Comparisons to Trump are frequent, with both leaders sharing a populist, anti-establishment rhetoric that resonates with their bases but alienates opponents.
[](https://www.npr.org/2025/05/15/nx-s1-5399047/argentina-immigration-crackdown-maga-trump-milei)[](https://www.newsweek.com/javier-milei-has-been-disaster-argentina-opinion-2066194)No major scandals or crimes have been directly linked to Milei personally, but his administration’s aggressive reforms have sparked protests and accusations of authoritarianism. Critics argue that his alignment with figures like Trump and Kennedy, both controversial in their own right, risks further polarizing Argentina’s political landscape.
[](https://www.newsweek.com/javier-milei-has-been-disaster-argentina-opinion-2066194)A Geopolitical Milestone: Argentina’s Economic Summit
In a related development, Argentina hosted a significant economic summit in Buenos Aires in April 2025, attended by global leaders and investors. The summit, aimed at attracting foreign investment to bolster Milei’s economic reforms, was a geopolitical win, showcasing Argentina’s growing influence in the Americas. The event highlighted Milei’s vision to “make Argentina great again,” a phrase echoing Trump’s rhetoric and signaling a shift toward closer ties with the U.S. and other Western allies.
[](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-14/milei-clamps-down-on-immigration-to-make-argentina-great-again)The summit also addressed Argentina’s role in global trade, with discussions on reducing reliance on Chinese imports and strengthening economic partnerships with the U.S. This aligns with Milei’s anti-China stance, further cementing Argentina’s pivot toward Washington.
[](https://www.newsweek.com/javier-milei-has-been-disaster-argentina-opinion-2066194)Mental Health in Argentina: A Growing Concern
Amid these geopolitical shifts, Argentina is grappling with a mental health crisis exacerbated by economic austerity and social upheaval. A 2024 study by the University of Buenos Aires found that rates of depression and anxiety have risen by 20% since Milei’s reforms began, particularly among low-income communities affected by budget cuts. Experts recommend increased access to mental health services and community-based interventions to address this growing issue.
Specialist advice includes mindfulness practices and social support networks to combat anxiety. For instance, group therapy sessions in Buenos Aires have gained popularity, offering affordable mental health support. The government has yet to announce specific policies addressing this crisis, raising concerns about the long-term impact of austerity on public well-being.
Space Exploration: Argentina’s Quiet Contributions
While Argentina’s withdrawal from WHO dominates headlines, the country is making strides in space exploration. In March 2025, Argentina’s National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) launched a microsatellite, SAOCOM-2A, to monitor climate patterns and support agricultural planning. This achievement, though overshadowed by political news, underscores Argentina’s growing role in space research, contributing to global efforts in environmental monitoring. The microsatellite’s data is expected to aid in disaster preparedness, a critical need given Argentina’s vulnerability to floods and droughts.
Folk Medicine: The Power of Yerba Mate
Argentina’s cultural heritage offers a unique perspective on health through its traditional use of yerba mate, a caffeinated herbal drink consumed for centuries. Known for its stimulating and antioxidant properties, yerba mate is a staple in Argentine households, often shared in social settings to foster community.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that yerba mate contains polyphenols that may reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. Researchers at the University of La Plata confirmed its potential to boost mental clarity and reduce fatigue, making it a natural remedy for stress and mild depression. However, experts caution against overconsumption due to its caffeine content, recommending no more than 1-2 liters daily.
Yerba Mate Recipe: Traditional Argentine Mate
Ingredients:
- 50g yerba mate (preferably organic)
- Hot water (70-80°C, not boiling)
- Mate gourd and bombilla (metal straw)
Instructions:
- Fill the mate gourd two-thirds with yerba mate.
- Shake gently to settle the yerba, tilting it to one side.
- Pour a small amount of cold water to moisten the yerba, protecting its flavor.
- Insert the bombilla into the moistened area.
- Add hot water slowly, filling the gourd. Sip through the bombilla and refill as needed.
This ritual, often shared among friends, embodies Argentina’s communal spirit and offers a natural boost to mental and physical health.
Global Implications and Emotional Resonance
Argentina’s withdrawal from WHO and its pivot toward U.S. collaboration mark a turning point in global health policy. For many Argentines, Milei’s bold moves evoke hope for a revitalized nation, free from what they see as overreaching global institutions. Yet, the economic and social challenges tied to his reforms stir fear and uncertainty, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The story of Argentina’s transformation is one of resilience and defiance, a nation seeking to carve its own path in a complex world. Whether through the communal ritual of yerba mate or the ambition of its space program, Argentina continues to captivate the global imagination. As Milei and Kennedy forge ahead, the world watches, wondering what this alliance will mean for the future of global health and geopolitics.