Global health
Trump administration shifts global health aid to country-by-country agreements
The strategy uses country-by-country aid agreements, while experts cited by The New York Times say a global agreement would be more effective for pandemic prevention.
The Trump administration is implementing its America First Global Health Strategy through agreements with individual countries, a shift from work through large international organizations and local nonprofits, NPR reported. The New York Times reported that public health experts warn the approach could jeopardize pandemic prevention and say a global agreement would be more effective.
NPR said the agreements call for recipient countries to increase domestic health spending, share data such as pathogen information and transition off U.S. aid. In Zambia, the U.S. committed $1.5 billion over five years, while Zambia committed to increase domestic health expenditures by $975 million. Across 36 agreements, the U.S. committed $16 billion, which KFF calculated represented a 34% drop in global health aid.
Experts quoted by NPR raised concerns about the fast timeline and limited public access to agreements and implementation plans. The State Department said it would decide on broader release of full agreement texts after country negotiations conclude. Experts expect Democrats returning to the majority in Congress to press for access to the agreements and plans.
