US blocks NGO 'Global Health Council' from attending GA side event, calling group 'anti-American'

Trump’s “America First” global health plan sidelines NGOs — even blocking the Global Health Council

Helen Murphy, Devex
Trump’s team bars health NGO from UNGA side event

Summary
A newly revealed U.S. global health strategy devalues NGOs by favoring bilateral agreements and private sector partnerships.

In a stark illustration, the Global Health Council—one of the leading U.S. health NGOs—was labeled “anti-American,” its seat placard removed, and ultimately denied entry to a U.N. side event tied to the new policy.  The cause seems to be that the group is among other NGOs suing the government for release of funds.

Key Shifts in the Plan

• Preference for direct U.S.–government agreements instead of NGO-facilitated implementation (Devex)

• Elevated role for private sector health actors under U.S. funding models (Devex)

• Critical NGOs may be excluded from forums or dialogues held by U.S. side agents (Devex)

• The decision to block the Global Health Council conveys the administration’s intent to control the narrative and access in global health policymaking (Devex)

Quotes

"The Global Health Council was barred entry to a U.S. global health event; the placard marking the organization’s seat was pulled." (Devex)
“It put a sharp edge on the Trump administration’s plan to work with governments and the private sector — but not NGOs.” (Devex)