Update: Rwanda Signs US Health Agreement

Update: Rwanda Signs US Health Agreement Rwanda – following Kenya – has signed a health agreement with the United States. This is a five-year, bilateral healthcare cooperation agreement worth US$228 million. Rwanda is the second African country, after Kenya, to sign such an agreement under the new US "America First Global Health Strategy." The most important financial and strategic details of the agreement are its total value. This amounts to US$228 million over five years. The agreement was signed on December 5 and 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A financial commitment has been made. The US is contributing US$158 million to the agreement. Rwanda's co-financing will amount to US$70 million (increasing investments in healthcare). The fundamental principle of the agreement is shared financial responsibility and a commitment to long-term sustainability. The agreement's core principle is shared financial responsibility and a commitment to long-term sustainability. ... Primary health priorities include infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. Strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness will also be a focus. The agreement is part of a new US strategy that prioritizes bilateral agreements, co-investment with partner countries, and the development of health systems with the goal of self-sufficiency. US officials have stated that "dozens" of similar agreements with other countries are planned. The agreement will also include the exchange of pathogens and data. A key component for the US is securing agreements for the exchange of pathogens and related health data. The signed memorandum includes a commitment to a future "sample exchange agreement" that would grant the US access to pathogens and genetic data within days of their discovery. The health agreement was announced just hours after the US-brokered reaffirmation of the peace pledge between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although the timing is noteworthy, official sources present the two events as separate diplomatic processes. For Rwanda, this agreement represents a significant, multi-year commitment to strengthening its highly regarded health system. The requirement for domestic co-financing aligns with Rwanda's stated goals of building a self-sufficient health system. The funds will support ongoing efforts to combat serious diseases and enhance the country's capacity to identify and respond to emerging health threats. @https://www.ecofinagency.com/news/0912-51210-usa-rwanda-memorandum-sets-228-million-health-cooperation-framework @https://ddnews.gov.in/en/us-signs-228-million-deal-with-rwanda-for-health-in-new-aid-model/