US Slashes $50 Million in Health Aid to Zambia Ove...

US Slashes $50 Million in Health Aid to Zambia Over Medical Supply Theft

**U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales**

Oscar J. Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

The United States has announced a US$50 million annual reduction in health aid to Zambia, citing systemic theft of donated medical supplies and insufficient action by the Zambian government to address the issue.

The decision follows a U.S. investigation conducted between 2021 and 2023, which revealed that nearly half of approximately 2 000 surveyed pharmacies across Zambia were selling medicines and supplies intended for free distribution.

U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, stated that despite informing the Zambian government of these findings in April 2024, there had been minimal responsive action. He emphasized the need to protect American taxpayer funds and ensure accountability.

The aid reduction, set to begin in January next year, will affect Zambia’s access to medications for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The US$50 million cut is part of the US$128 million the U.S. provides annually for Zambia's health sector, which accounts for about a third of the country’s public health spending.

Zambian Health Minister Elijah Muchima acknowledged the concerns and said that actions, including suspensions and arrests, had been taken against implicated officials. He noted that the government is finalizing a report on the theft of medicines but must respect the legal process.

The U.S. investigation also found that medications and supplies funded by the Zambian government, the Global Fund, and other international donors were being sold in pharmacies. Zambia, burdened by heavy debts and reliant on aid, faces significant challenges in its public health system.

The U.S. has recommended that the aid reduction begin in January next year to allow Zambia time to plan new procurements of life-saving drugs.