The United States and Eswatini have signed a five-year health cooperation agreement on Friday, the State Department said, as the Trump administration advances its global health approach that links aid to increased investment by recipient countries.
The $242 million memorandum of understanding outlines U.S. plans to provide up to $205 million for health data systems, disease surveillance and response, and HIV prevention and treatment, while Eswatini will raise its domestic health spending by $37 million over the same period.
The agreement also includes the delivery of lenacapavir, a U.S.-made HIV prevention drug, to Eswatini, Reuters reported.
Don’t Miss This:
U.S. Backs Zipline With $150 Million To Expand Drone-Based Healthcare Across Five African Nations
“The signing places Eswatini on a clear path to achieving the long-term goal of an effective, sustainable, and efficient health system while underscoring a mutual commitment to safeguarding health gains, protecting American and Eswatini citizens alike,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement.
The U.S. has signed similar health cooperation agreements over the past month with Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Lesotho, and additional bilateral deals with other countries receiving U.S. health assistance are expected in the coming weeks, the department said.
The Trump administration introduced its “America First Global Health Strategy” in September, aiming to boost self-reliance in partner countries’ health sectors.
Separately, Eswatini received $5.1 million from the U.S. in November under an agreement to accept third-country nationals deported by the Trump administration.
Don’t Miss This:
Rwanda Secures $228 Million U.S. Health Deal Hours After Hours Of Peace Agreement
Image Credit: Times of Eswatini
