Kenya Becomes First Nation to Sign New U.S. Global Health Pact After USAID Shutdown

WASHINGTON — Kenya has become the first country to sign a new global health funding agreement under the Trump administration’s “America First” foreign policy strategy, marking a major shift in how the United States delivers international medical aid.

The five-year, $2.5 billion agreement was signed Thursday by Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The deal replaces decades of health assistance previously administered through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was officially dismantled earlier this year.

The elimination of USAID sparked heavy criticism from the global health community, as hundreds of programs across the developing world lost funding. These cuts affected maternal and child care, nutrition services, and HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, while also leaving thousands of health workers without jobs.

Secretary Rubio said the new agreement is designed to redefine U.S. global health engagement.

“This framework strengthens American leadership in global health while eliminating dependency, ideology, inefficiency, and waste,” Rubio said. He also praised Kenya for its leadership role in the international security mission fighting armed gangs in Haiti.

President Ruto welcomed the agreement and confirmed that Kenya will continue its involvement in Haiti as the multinational force transitions into a broader operation.

Under the agreement, the United States will contribute $1.7 billion, while Kenya will cover the remaining $850 million. The funding will focus on preventing and treating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Faith-based medical providers will be prioritized, though all clinics and hospitals within Kenya’s national health insurance system will be eligible.

Kenya’s principal secretary for medical services, Ouma Oluga, described the agreement as a significant departure from past aid models, calling it “a framework with lasting impact on public health.”

Family planning services that comply with U.S. abortion restrictions will qualify for funding, according to State Department officials. They also confirmed that the agreement will not exclude gay or transgender individuals or sex workers from receiving care.

Several other African countries are expected to sign similar agreements with the U.S. before the end of the year. However, Nigeria and South Africa are not currently expected to participate due to political differences with the Trump administration.

Across Africa, the shutdown of USAID has already disrupted programs addressing disease prevention, food insecurity, maternal care, and even initiatives aimed at countering extremism and promoting democracy.