In late 2025 after the United States shocked the world by suspending global health aid and experts said it would lead to 700,000 more deaths, mostly of children, each year, Washington began proposing unusual bilateral health agreements to developing countries that have infuriated officials and health activists alike.Critics said the deals, mostly made with African nations, smack of “exploitation” while at least two of the countries in dire need of health aid have pushed back against them.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listIn November, the US approached Zimbabwean authorities, promising more than $300m in funding in return for sensitive health data in negotiations that Harare felt were “lopsided” and promptly pulled out of, according to memos leaked in recent weeks.About the same time, the US publicly announced $1bn in funding for neighbouring Zambia pending talks. However, Lusaka, too, called out “problematic” clauses in the US proposal that sought access to the country’s minerals and has since requested a review, according to statements from officials in early March.Several other countries, though, such as Nigeria and Kenya, have gone on to sign the health pacts. The terms agreed remain unclear because the agreements have not been fully published.Data or mineral demands in return for health aid are unprecedented in the history of the US, which is Africa’s largest health assistance provider. Policy experts said tying …
