The America First Global Health Strategy introduced by the United States is garnering criticism due to its perceived exploitative nature. Launched in September 2025, this strategy has seen participation from twenty African nations and four Latin American countries, which have signed memoranda of understanding to receive direct health support from the U.S. government. This initiative aims to phase out non-governmental organization (NGO) assistance and oversee the health funding directly managed by local governments instead.

Previously, many African nations benefited from health grants provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, which faced significant cuts under the Trump administration. The elimination of these funds, notably the President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief, was predicated on the belief that NGOs were misallocating funds, leading to excessive overhead costs. The new strategy attempts to redirect resources to local governments, which raises concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the U.S. government's direct involvement in health assistance.

Despite the substantial pledges made under this new strategy, questions linger regarding the actual impact and intentions behind the U.S. health investment. Critics argue that the shift away from NGO support risks undermining the existing health infrastructure and fails to address the complex health needs of African countries, potentially leading to long-term issues in health service delivery and support for vulnerable populations.