September 11, 2025 — The U.S. government has committed an additional $250 million in aid to the Philippines to address urgent public health challenges, including tuberculosis, maternal health, and emerging infectious diseases. This new package builds on a previous $63 million commitment made earlier this year.
Under the revised foreign assistance strategy, announced during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the funding reflects a more targeted and time-limited approach. Funds will be channeled through non-governmental organizations and local health agencies.
Key areas of focus include:
Battling tuberculosis, a leading infectious disease in the country.
Improving maternal and child health, including better access to prenatal care and reducing maternal mortality.
Monitoring and preparing for emerging infectious diseases — both viral and bacterial threats.
The aid announcement also comes amid broader U.S. foreign aid funding pressures. Congress has allocated $11 billion in aid to be distributed by September 30, 2025. Of that, the administration plans to use $6.5 billion. Legal challenges remain over $4 billion in additional funds that are pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Officials from both countries emphasized that this assistance reinforces the ongoing partnership and shared responsibility in addressing global health threats. However, some critics argue that short-term funding, while helpful, may not be sufficient to build lasting infrastructure and sustainable health systems