politics
April 8, 2026
US-Africa health deals draw criticism from governments and experts
Washington’s “secrecy” health deals in Africa have drawn backlash over secrecy, data access and sovereignty issues across the continent
TL;DR
- The US has negotiated 28 international health agreements, mainly with African countries, under an "America First" overhaul of foreign health assistance.
- These pacts involve substantial US and partner country investments, but their full terms are largely undisclosed, sparking backlash and concern.
- In Zambia, there are claims that the US is using health packages as leverage to negotiate for access to critical minerals, challenging China's dominance.
- Zimbabwe rejected a US health funding agreement, deeming it "lopsided" and lacking "mutual respect, transparency, and reciprocal benefit."
- Kenya's High Court temporarily suspended a health cooperation deal over concerns about unlawful access to sensitive medical information.
- Transparency advocates fear the US is using health assistance to gain concessions on unrelated policy issues and are demanding disclosure of the agreements' terms.
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