The United States has changed its approach to global health funding, shifting from providing money to non-governmental organizations to working directly with national governments. This new strategy is guided by the America First Global Health Strategy and aims to improve accountability and ensure that resources reach those in need.
According to a recent announcement, the U.S. has signed bilateral health Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with several countries in Africa, including Kenya, Rwanda, Liberia, Uganda, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Cameroon, and Nigeria. These agreements represent more than $8 billion in direct U.S. assistance over five years. The recipient countries will contribute an additional $5 billion through co-investment.
The MOUs are intended to help combat infectious disease threats and strengthen the ability of partner nations to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies independently. This approach is expected to save lives and promote American health innovation while reducing waste and inefficiency.
A spokesperson stated: "For far too long, the United States spent billions of dollars on global health by writing checks to NGOs and hoping results would follow. Too often, recipient nations had little say, accountability was weak, and only a fraction of that money ever reached patients on the ground. That approach was inefficient, ineffective, and unsustainable. Under President Trump’s leadership, we put a stop to it."
"Today, guided by the America First Global Health Strategy, the United States is working directly with sovereign nations – with governments, not intermediaries that impose one-size-fits-all solutions from the outside. This shift has restored accountability, reaffirmed national ownership, and restored America as the world’s global health leader," continued the statement.
"These MOUs advance America’s national interest. They save lives, export American health innovation, reduce waste and inefficiency, and coordinate directly with national governments to prevent, detect, and respond to global health threats on their own – making nations less reliant on U.S. taxpayers."
The statement concluded: "And this is just the beginning. More bilateral health MOUs are on the way as we continue to deliver results, keep our promises, and put American leadership – and American interests – first."
