News
Following Trump Footsteps, Argentina Quits World Health Organization
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Argentina said Wednesday it will quit the World Health Organization, following in the footsteps of Donald Trump’s United States and citing similar complaints over the UN body’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Railing against the economic fallout of Covid-19 lockdowns, President Javier Milei lamented “one of the most bizarre crimes against humanity” as he explained the reasons for the move.
Argentina’s self-declared “anarcho-capitalist” leader said the WHO had been “the executing arm of what was the greatest experiment in social control in history
The South American country announced its withdrawal from the UN health agency two weeks after Trump, an ideological ally and hero of Milei, signaled Washington’s planned exit.
Milei’s decision was based on “deep differences regarding health management especially during the pandemic,” spokesman Manuel Adorni told reporters earlier, adding Argentina would not “allow an international body to interfere in our sovereignty.”
Argentina had been hard hit by the pandemic, with about 130,000 deaths, and Milei’s predecessor Alberto
Fernandez imposed a five-month lockdown in 2020 widely perceived as crippling for a struggling economy.
Adorni insisted withdrawing from the WHO gave Argentina “greater flexibility to implement policies adapted to the context” locally, while ensuring “greater availability of resources.”
The WHO did not immediately comment on Argentina’s departure.
WHO data shows Argentina contributed about $8.75 million in membership fees to the organization across 2022 and 2023 — 0.11 percent of the total budget.
It was slated to contribute $8.25 million for 2024-2025.
The vast majority of the UN agency’s budget comes from voluntary contributions, however, and Argentina has made none in recent years.
Adorni said Argentina “does not receive funding from the WHO, so this measure does not represent a loss of funds for the country.”
He also accused the body of “a lack of independence.”
‘Endless quarantines’ –
Last year, Argentina refused to join a new pandemic protocol drawn up by the WHO and gave notice of its intention to withdraw from the agency altogether.
International relations expert Federico Merke, of the University of San Andres in Buenos Aires, said the move would leave Argentina isolated when it comes to information-sharing and cooperation in the case of a new pandemic or other health threat.
Milei is an avowed fan of Trump, who signed an order within hours of his January 20 inauguration for the United States to withdraw from the WHO, which he has also criticized for its pandemic handling.
Washington was the biggest contributor to the Geneva-based organization, which Trump claimed had “ripped us off,” and the US withdrawal leaves global health initiatives short of funding.
Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has gutted public spending, having vowed to maintain a zero budget deficit after years of overspending.
His austerity measures are estimated to have tipped millions more people into poverty, but the country last year recorded its first budget surplus since 2010 while inflation fell by nearly half.
Milei was the first foreign leader to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago Florida estate after the Republican’s November US election victory.
His decision also casts new doubt on Argentina’s future adherence to the 2015 Paris climate change agreement, under which countries committed to limiting greenhouse gas emissions to keep global average temperature rise below a critical threshold.
Withdrawing the United States from the Paris pact was another of Trump’s first moves after taking office.
Milei’s Argentina, pushing for a free trade deal with the United States, has previously said it was “reevaluating” its strategy “on all climate change-related issues.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigerians and the global community continues to grapple with the challenges and effects of cancer, a non governmental organisation under the aegis of the African Women Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) has officially announced its launch in Nigeria on World Cancer Day.
The President and Founder of AWCAA, Dr. Ify Nwabukwu, who disclosed this at a virtual press conference, restated their commitment to empowering women through cancer education, early detection, and access to life-saving treatment.
Nwabukwu reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to reducing cancer mortality rates in Nigeria, and emphasised the importance of collaborations with existing organisations and government agencies to drive early detection and improve access to treatment.
“For over two decades, AWCAA has spearheaded more than 21 cancer awareness missions across Africa, donated mammogram machines to hospitals, and improved cancer care in countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. With its expansion into Nigeria, AWCAA aims to bridge the gap in cancer education, screening, and treatment, ensuring more women receive the support they need.
“AWCAA is actively advocating for a reduction in cancer mortality rates in Nigeria by ensuring more women receive early diagnoses, access to care, and the support they need. Beyond treatment, we are committed to breaking the stigma associated with cancer. As a survivor, I understand the urgency of this mission,” Dr. Nwabukwu stated.
The official AWCAA Nigeria launch will commence with a pre-launch women-focused wellness event in Lagos, while the main launch is scheduled for February 13, 2025, in Abuja, where the organisation will unveil key initiatives designed to reduce cancer-related deaths and support women throughout their cancer journey.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Nnesochi Offor, a member of AWCAA, underscored the importance of prevention, early detection, and lifestyle choices in the fight against cancer.
“Cancer doesn’t always have a single known cause, but research has linked it to unhealthy lifestyle choices, including diets high in carcinogenic substances. We must all prioritise healthy living by embracing active lifestyles and nutritious diets rich in fruits and vegetables,” she advised.
Expressing confidence in the organization’s impact, Madam Celine Orji, a member of AWCAA, highlighted the tangible benefits the association has already brought to communities.
“AWCAA has made a difference in my community, making mammogram tests more accessible and affordable. I do not doubt that its expansion into Nigeria will save countless lives,” she said.
As Nigeria continues to face rising cancer cases, AWCAA’s presence marks a critical turning point in the fight against late-stage diagnoses and inadequate access to treatment. With a strong focus on empowering women, advocating for policy changes, and breaking the stigma surrounding cancer, AWCAA is set to transform cancer care and ensure no woman faces the battle alone.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) is a non-profit organisation that promotes cancer awareness, early detection, and access to quality treatment for women across Africa.
Since its establishment, AWCAA has led numerous awareness campaigns, donated life-saving equipment, and advocated for improved healthcare policies to combat cancer effectively.
Additionally, the House is pushing for the creation of an Environmental Restoration Fund, funded by the IOCs, to tackle the estimated $100 billion in damages outlined by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Bayelsa State Commission. Legislators also demand the introduction of profit-sharing arrangements to ensure host communities receive direct benefits from oil and gas revenues.
The Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has been directed to strictly enforce the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by scrutinizing all divestment applications, ensuring corporate accountability, and thoroughly assessing the financial, technical, and environmental capacity of new operators before approvals are granted.
These resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, titled “The Need to Protect Environmental Integrity, Community Welfare, and Regulatory Independence in the Niger Delta by Halting Divestments of International Oil Companies, including Shell and TotalEnergies.” The motion was debated and adopted during Thursday’s plenary session.
Speaking on the motion, Chinda emphasised the federal government’s responsibility to safeguard the rights and welfare of its citizens, particularly Niger Delta residents, who have suffered decades of environmental degradation and socio-economic hardship due to oil exploration. He warned that approving divestments without resolving these long-standing issues would set a dangerous precedent.
Lawmakers who spoke in support of the motion acknowledged the federal government’s ongoing efforts to address oil industry challenges through relevant agencies.
Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, emphasized that legislative intervention would enhance these efforts, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to managing oil sector transitions.
“This motion not only allows us to tackle the pressing issues affecting our people, but it also provides an opportunity to revisit existing legal frameworks. We must introduce permanent statutory provisions to address gaps that were overlooked during the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA),” Doguwa stated.
He further clarified misconceptions about divestment, explaining that International Oil Companies (IOCs) are not physically exiting Nigeria but rather shifting investments from shallow-water to deep-sea operations.
“Divestment, in this context, does not mean these companies are leaving Nigeria entirely. They remain committed to their corporate, commercial, and economic responsibilities within the sector. It is essential that this distinction is understood,” he added.
Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Rep. Tersee Ugbo, noted that multiple committee sessions and retreats had revealed a critical oversight: the PIA lacks clear provisions on how divestments should be handled.
“We discovered that divestment was completely omitted from the PIA, and there are no proper legal guidelines for how IOCs should exit their investments. This gap has led to discussions on the need for a Divestment Act to establish a structured framework for such transitions,” Ugbo explained.
Lawmakers stressed that without a well-defined regulatory structure, unchecked divestments could pose significant economic and environmental risks to host communities and the country at large.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Bandits have reportedly kidnapped the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brgd. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, in the early hours of Thursday.
The bandits also killed one person and abducted at least nine others, even as they were said to have ransacked several homes, carting away valuables.
The bandits attacked at 12.30am on Thursday, as eyewitness reports have it that the armed hoodlums stormed the community, shooting sporadically to scare residents.
Our correspondent contacted the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, to confirm the attack but said he “can’t talk now” in an SMS.
Details soon…
AWCAA Pledges To Increase Awareness, Empower Women On Cancer
House of Reps Halts Oil Company Divestments Over Unresolved Liabilities
Katsina: Bandits kidnap ex-NYSC DG, nine others
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
News19 hours agoREAD Details Of PDP BoT emergency meeting in Abuja
-
News19 hours agoAfter Several Warnings, Lady Drowns Six-Year-Old Daughter In Bayelsa
-
News19 hours agoSAD! Nollywood Mourns As Actress Pat Ugwu dies
-
Sports7 hours agoSevilla invite Nigerian footballer for trial after 100k retweets
-
News18 hours agoSAD! 17 children d!e, 17 others !njured in Zamfara school f!re incident
-
Politics12 hours agoPDP Crisis: Anyanwu, Ude-Okoye Suspended
-
News19 hours agoSEDC Urges President Tinubu to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release for Stability Of Southeast
-
Metro12 hours agoEFCC Detains 4 NAHCON Staff Amid Ongoing Fraud Investigation