ZAMBIA has secured a major commitment from the United States Government, which has pledged $1.5 billion in new support for the country’s health sector over the next five years.
The funding, set to begin in April 2026, will anchor a new multi-year health agreement currently under negotiation and expected to be signed in December 2025.
Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima highlighted that the new support will focus on human resources for health, laboratory capacity, epidemic preparedness and reducing the national burden of HIV, TB and malaria.
Muchima revealed that Zambia has already registered major gains with American backing, including achieving 98-98-97 HIV control targets and raising national life expectancy from 33years in 2004 to 64 years today.
The minister was speaking in Lusaka today during a high level meeting between the government of Zambia and a visiting U.S delegation comprised of senior officials from Washington DC and Geneva.
He noted that while Zambia welcomes the financial commitment, there are key concerns that must be resolved before the memorandum of understanding is finalised.
“Among the key issues Zambia wants to review are penalties for unmet domestic funding obligations, which should be based on service delivery outcomes rather than dollar for dollar matching. We need strengthened data protection provisions to ensure all data sharing arrangements comply with Zambia’s legal framework under the Data Protection Act and National Health Act,” disclosed Dr Muchima.
“Clauses extending data and specimen sharing for 25years, despite the MoU’s five year lifespan terms require renegotiation.”
Dr Muchima also noted that the proposed agreement includes $323 million earmarked for technical assistance, but said Zambia is seeking clarity on how this portion of the funding will work.
He emphasised that Zambia is committed to gradually assuming full financial responsibility for programmes after 2030, in line with the agreement’s sustainability vision.
And U.S Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales reaffirmed that the funding aims to build sustainable systems capable of delivering long term quality healthcare.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba November 17, 2025
