US-Rwanda agreement worth $228 million to strengthen the health sector under the "America First" strategy

Arab Sea Newspaper - Follow-ups:

The U.S. State Department announced the signing of a new health partnership agreement with Rwanda worth "$228 million," in the second step within the Trump administration's new approach to foreign aid, under the slogan "America First Global Health Strategy." The agreement aims to enhance Rwanda's ability to rely on itself in managing the health sector, which is the same path Kenya took last week by signing a similar agreement with Washington. According to a statement issued by the U.S. State Department late Friday evening, the agreement with Rwanda sets out "a comprehensive vision for saving lives and strengthening the health system in Rwanda," and also contributes to making the United States "safer" by improving the global capacity to monitor and respond to diseases. The U.S. funding, which amounts to $158 million, will include programs to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other infectious diseases, in addition to strengthening health monitoring and epidemic response capabilities. In return, the Rwandan government will increase its domestic investments in the health sector by $70 million, as part of its commitment to taking a greater role in financing health services while gradually reducing U.S. support.