What's happened
The US and Ivory Coast signed a bilateral health agreement in Abidjan, focusing on HIV, malaria, maternal health, and health security. The deal aims to increase African self-sufficiency amid US aid cuts, with Ivory Coast committing up to $292 million by 2030. Experts warn of risks to health service continuity.
What's behind the headline?
The new US-Ivory Coast health agreement exemplifies a strategic pivot towards bilateral, self-sufficient aid models. While intended to improve accountability and reduce waste, experts warn this approach risks undermining long-term health outcomes. The reliance on partner countries' commitments introduces potential points of failure, especially where governments lack stability or capacity. This shift aligns with broader US policy under the Trump administration, emphasizing trade and sovereignty over traditional aid. However, the disruption caused by aid cuts has already weakened health systems, risking increased disease spread and maternal mortality. The strategy's success hinges on effective oversight and genuine capacity-building, which remain uncertain. Ultimately, this approach may benefit US diplomatic interests but could jeopardize critical health gains in vulnerable regions.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that the agreement in Abidjan is part of the Trump administration’s broader 'America First' global health strategy, emphasizing bilateral deals to foster accountability and self-sufficiency. The US ambassador highlighted a move 'beyond the traditional aid approach toward a model focused on trade, innovation, and shared prosperity.' Meanwhile, AP News notes that the deal involves Ivory Coast committing up to $292 million by 2030, with US aid cuts having previously crippled health programs across Africa. The Independent echoes these points, emphasizing the impact of aid reductions on disease response efforts. Experts from the Center for Global Development caution that operationalizing such a reconfigured aid model at scale presents significant risks, including prioritization issues and oversight challenges, which could threaten health service delivery and public health gains.
How we got here
The US has reduced aid through cuts to USAID, impacting health systems across Africa. The new strategy emphasizes bilateral agreements to foster accountability, self-reliance, and shared prosperity. Ivory Coast's deal is part of over a dozen similar agreements with African nations, reflecting a shift towards transactional diplomacy under the Trump administration's 'America First' approach.
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Common question
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What does the US-Ivory Coast health deal involve?
The US and Ivory Coast have recently signed a health cooperation agreement focusing on key issues like HIV, malaria, and maternal health. Ivory Coast is committing to fund 60% of the program, marking a shift towards shared responsibility and self-sufficiency in global health. This new partnership raises questions about how it will impact disease control efforts and the future of international aid. Below, we explore the details of this deal and what it means for global health initiatives.
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Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire and officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a country on the southern coast of West Africa. Its capital city of Yamoussoukro is located in the centre of the country, while its largest city and economic centr
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