Fri Dec 05 03:43:53 UTC 2025: ## News Article: “America First” Global Health Funding Begins with Kenya Amidst USAID Dismantling

Washington D.C. – December 5, 2025 – The Trump administration has initiated its “America First” global health funding strategy with a five-year, $2.5 billion agreement signed with Kenya on Thursday. This marks the first of many expected agreements prioritizing infectious disease control in nations aligned with the U.S. President’s foreign policy.

The agreement, signed by Kenyan President William Ruto and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, replaces previous health agreements managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The dismantling of USAID earlier this year, however, has drawn criticism for defunding crucial programs in the developing world, including those focused on maternal and child care, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Secretary Rubio stated the agreement aims to “strengthen U.S. leadership and excellence in global health while eliminating dependency, ideology, inefficiency, and waste from our foreign assistance architecture.” He also commended Kenya’s contribution to the international stabilization force in Haiti.

Under the agreement, the U.S. will contribute $1.7 billion, with the Kenyan government covering the remaining $850 million. The focus will be on preventing and treating diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, with an emphasis on faith-based medical providers. All clinics and hospitals within Kenya’s health insurance system will be eligible for funding.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, described the framework as “a departure from the past” that would have “a lasting impact on health for all.” Family planning programs compliant with U.S. abortion service restrictions will also be eligible, according to State Department officials.

While other African nations are expected to sign similar agreements, Nigeria and South Africa are not among them due to political differences with the Trump administration. The USAID dismantling earlier in the year has had significant repercussions across Africa, resulting in the shutdown of numerous health and humanitarian programs.

Read More