What ‘America First’ Means for Global Health
This article examines the impact of the 'America First' foreign policy on global health, specifically focusing on the handling of a severe Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It argues that the dismantling of USAID and the freezing of foreign aid have crippled the international response to the crisis.
Why it matters
It highlights the potential real-world consequences of isolationist foreign policy on global health security and pandemic preparedness.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the throes of the deadliest Ebola outbreak in its history. Could it have been prevented?
Michel Lunanga / Getty August 3, 2026, 1 PM ET Share Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 22:19
The Ebola outbreak raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo is now the largest in the nation’s history, according to the World Health Organization. The strain of Ebola driving this outbreak is called Bundibugyo and has no vaccine or treatments. It’s devastating: More than 3,600 cases have been identified, which have led to more than 1,500 deaths—a 44 percent fatality rate. The tragedy has been compounded by the ongoing conflict in the nation. Millions have been forced from their homes and even more are facing crisis levels of hunger.
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