Health Policy Watch: US speeds up signing of bilateral health agreements

March 4, 2026 - 11:43

The United States is rapidly expanding its network of international health agreements, having now signed two dozen bilateral memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with nations across the globe. This concerted effort, a key component of the current administration's America First Global Health Strategy, marks a significant shift toward country-to-country partnerships.

Officials confirm that as of early March, a total of 24 such agreements are now in place. These MOUs are designed to create tailored frameworks for collaboration, focusing on shared health security priorities. The stated goal is to enhance transparency, improve public health capacity, and foster cooperation in preventing and responding to infectious disease outbreaks.

Proponents argue this bilateral approach allows for more direct and accountable partnerships, ensuring that American support and resources are aligned with specific mutual interests. They claim it strengthens global health security by building stronger, more resilient health systems with partner nations.

This strategy represents a distinct model of engagement, emphasizing sovereign partnerships over broader multilateral frameworks. The acceleration of these signings indicates a continued prioritization of this foreign policy tool, aiming to shape a global health landscape defined by direct bilateral ties and shared national interests.