AVAC analysis
Ahead of an anticipated announcement at the United Nations later this month, the US Secretary of State called on national governments to support a new “trade over aid” initiative that would scale back traditional humanitarian assistance in favor of trade and investment partnerships. The move signals further intention to distance the US from its long-standing role as a leading provider of humanitarian aid and move toward a model grounded in economic exchange.
IMPLICATIONS: This shift raises significant concerns for global health, particularly for HIV and other disease responses that rely on sustained, predictable public financing. While trade and investment can play an important role in long-term development, it is not a substitute for life-saving humanitarian and health programs. Concerns are emerging that a shift towards a trade first model, would favor large private sector companies and risk exploitation of countries that are dependent on critical foreign assistance and aid to support public health systems and infrastructure. The bilateral agreements as part of the America First Global Health Strategy for example, also model this shift with provisions appearing in these agreements on US access to a country’s minerals in exchange for foreign assistance. At a moment when new tools like long-acting PrEP are emerging, the success of the global HIV response will depend not only on innovation, but on maintaining the public funding and partnerships needed to deliver these advances at scale.
Further coverage:
- The Washington Post: Trump administration pushes nations to sign ‘trade over aid’ declaration
- Daily Beast: Marco Rubio sends call to action to countries for new plot
- Health Policy Watch: Call for US congressional oversight on bilateral health agreements
- Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, TB and Malaria: Issue brief: The crucial role for Congress in global health aid transition
AVAC publishes a weekly Global Health Watch, a curated digest of key developments in global health. Access this week’s issue (17 April) here.
Source : AVAC
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