US health deal sparks debate in Africa

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At least 24 African countries have signed controversial bilateral health agreements with the United States under Donald Trump’s new aid strategy, while others, including Zimbabwe, have rejected it. Supporters say it gives governments more control over their health systems, but critics question accountability, data protection and continued US influence. We unpack what the deal means and why it’s dividing opinion across the continent. And as the world marks World Hearing Day, we turn to the 40 million people across Africa living with hearing loss. With sign language officially recognised in only four countries- South Africa, Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe, we head to Nairobi, where a young tech startup is using AI to translate spoken and written English into sign language in real time. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Keikantse Shumba and Dingindaba Buyoya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla