President Milei, who describes himself as an "anarcho-capitalist", has been critical of the WHO for some time but the idea of leaving the body appears to have gained traction in the days after Donald Trump signed an executive order setting in motion the US's exit from the international body.

Argentina’s decision is based on ‘profound differences in health management, especially during the (Covid-19) pandemic’, a spokesman said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for global public health. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has six regional offices. The WHO's purpose is to achieve the highest possible level of health for all people across the world.