By Micah Jonah
February 27, 2026
Zambian government has pushed back on part of a $1 billion health aid deal with the United States, saying certain provisions do not align with the country’s national interests.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, revised drafts of the agreement included clauses that Zambia found problematic. The deal, designed to fund HIV and malaria programmes, disease outbreak preparedness, maternal and child health over the next five years, also requires approximately $340 million in co-financing from Zambia.
Concerns include clauses linked to datasharing and potential mining collaboration. While the US described the agreement as supporting “national interests,” Zambian authorities stressed that health funding should remain separate from mineral and mining projects.
Advocates warned that one-way data-sharing requirements could benefit the US disproportionately, while potentially disadvantaging Zambians living with HIV. Owen Mulenga of the Treatment, Advocacy and Literacy Campaign said, “We need support from the US, but there should be transparency.”
Zimbabwe has already pulled out of a separate $367 million US health aid deal citing similar concerns. Zambia remains open to engagement, provided negotiations respect its sovereignty and national priorities.
The standoff is part of a broader shift in how the Trump administration delivers global health funding, emphasizing bilateral agreements and co-investment by recipient countries under its “America First” policy.
