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.

WHO has stated that it is reviewing Argentina’s announcement, but the organization has no authority to compel countries to follow specific health guidelines, and many nations have previously ignored its recommendations.

Trump, who Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei considers a close ally, moved to exit the organization on his first day in office on January 20.