Challenges Arise in New U.S. Global Health Strategy
Challenges Arise in New U.S. Global Health Strategy
Updated at: September 13, 2026 at 12:45 AM
On September 18, 2025, the U.S. launched the 'America First Global Health Strategy' (AFGHS), marking a major shift in international health policy.
Moving away from traditional multilateral organizations like the WHO, the U.S. now favors a bilateral approach centered on national security and disease surveillance.
A key structural change involved dissolving USAID in July 2025 and transferring its functions, including PEPFAR, to the State Department.
While the Administration emphasizes fiscal accountability and efficiency, the retreat from global cooperation risks fragmenting international health governance.
Whether this 'security-first' model can maintain the success of established humanitarian programs remains the central question as the implementation continues across Africa and beyond.
