Health Diplomacy In Focus As U.S. Signs Broad New Agreements With African Partners

The U.S. government has finalized health agreements with at least nine African nations as part of a renewed global health funding strategy. These accords illustrate the Trump administration's preferences, leaning towards reduced aid with an emphasis on reciprocal benefits. Agreements have been established with countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda, marking a departure from traditional U.S. aid modalities. Aid will now pivot on bilateral negotiations between recipient nations and the U.S. Notably, Nigeria's deal emphasizes Christian health initiatives amid its majority Muslim population, while Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini also secured pacts to bolster their healthcare systems.However, South Africa remains outside this framework due to ongoing disputes regarding U.S. funding, losing critical financial support for HIV prevention and treatment. The State Department continues to affirm that these health deals are not linked to deportation agreements, even as some signatory countries have prior arrangements to accept third-country deportees.