At least 24 African countries have signed controversial bilateral health agreements with the United States under Donald Trump’s new aid strategy, while others, including Zimbabwe, have rejected it. Supporters say it gives governments more control over their health systems, but critics question accountability, data protection and continued US influence. We unpack what the deal means and why it’s dividing opinion across the continent.
Desta Lakew spoke on BBC’s Focus on Africa about the implications of emerging bilateral health agreements between the United States and African countries, emphasising transparency, local leadership, and strong health systems.
Listen here: https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/p0n4cyll
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Keikantse Shumba and Dingindaba Buyoya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla
First published on https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/p0n4cyll