Argentina Joins US and Israel in Opposing UN Pandemic Declaration
Argentina voted against a non-binding United Nations General Assembly declaration on pandemic prevention, with only the United States and Israel also opposing it. The measure passed 153 to 3, while New Zealand and Paraguay abstained. The vote highlights President Javier Milei's alignment with the Trump administration after both countries left the World Health Organization.
On 12 October, Argentina was one of three UN General Assembly members to oppose a pandemic-prevention declaration. The measure received 153 yes votes; New Zealand and Paraguay abstained. The text encouraged stronger disease monitoring, regional vaccine manufacturing, research, sustainable funding and more equitable pathogen-benefit sharing, though it imposed no legal duties.
Argentina’s position follows its withdrawal from the WHO, as did the United States. President Javier Milei, in office since December 2023, has moved Argentina closer to the Trump administration, a relationship supported by a US Treasury currency swap. In March, the same three states were alone in rejecting a UN resolution on the slave trade.
Because the declaration is non-binding, its immediate effects on Argentines, travelers, companies or health agencies may be limited. Still, Argentina’s alignment with Washington and its WHO exit could reduce its influence in future pandemic-preparedness talks, including the pathogen-sharing annex review planned for May 2027. That may affect how quickly Argentines benefit from international surveillance, vaccine-production and pathogen-sharing arrangements, though any practical consequences would depend on later decisions and negotiations.