Kigali: The United States and Rwanda have signed a new 228 million dollar partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the East African nation’s healthcare system. The agreement marks one of the first major actions under a new US foreign aid approach that focuses on shared funding and long term sustainability.
Under the deal, the United States will provide up to 158 million dollars to support Rwanda’s fight against HIV AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases. The funding will also help improve disease surveillance and prepare the country for future public health emergencies.
As part of the partnership, Rwanda has agreed to invest 70 million dollars of its own national budget into the health sector. US officials said the model is designed to encourage countries to take more ownership of their health programs instead of relying fully on external support.
The new approach reflects a broader shift in US global health policy launched earlier this year. US officials explained that the goal is to build stronger health systems around the world while also protecting Americans by preventing future global outbreaks.
Technology will also play a role in the agreement. Medical drone delivery company Zipline is expected to continue expanding its operations in Rwanda, helping deliver vaccines and medicines to remote areas more quickly.
The Rwanda deal follows a similar but larger agreement recently signed with Kenya. US officials say more countries may join the program in the coming months.
Health experts and observers are watching closely to see whether the new model will improve long term results in partner countries. Supporters say it could lead to more sustainable health systems, while others warn it may reduce support for non government health organizations that have long played key roles in Africa.
For now, both governments say they are optimistic. Rwanda’s health ministry described the agreement as an important step toward improving care access and strengthening the country’s medical infrastructure. US officials called Rwanda a strong partner committed to public health innovation.