“LUSAKA, Zambia – The United States has voiced strong criticism against Zambia for missing the deadline to sign a crucial $1 billion health aid agreement.
The deal, initially scheduled for finalization by April 30, 2026, was to provide significant support for key health initiatives in Zambia, including HIV treatment, malaria response, maternal and child health, and disease prevention.
The delay in the signing process has been attributed to ongoing disputes regarding the conditions of the agreement, particularly concerning data sharing and Zambia’s required contribution to co-funding. Outgoing U. S.
Ambassador Michael Gonzales expressed his frustration, highlighting the lack of engagement from Zambian officials since January. Despite the setbacks, the U. S.
Remains committed to supporting the Zambian people through essential health services.
However, it has made clear that the continuation of long — term assistance will be contingent upon concrete reforms and renewed engagement from the Zambian government.
The dispute over the health aid deal has raised concerns within Zambia about the potential linkage of aid funding to access to critical minerals and data sharing, issues that have been strenuously denied by Ambassador Gonzales. Zambian presidential spokesperson Clayson Hamasaka has emphasized the government’s value for U. S.
Support and its openness to discussions, but also stressed the importance of addressing concerns through formal diplomatic channels.
The impasse follows a period of strained relations between the U. S. And Zambia, marked by a reduction in aid following the theft of donated medicines, which exposed governance weaknesses in Zambia’s health system.
The U. S. Is now warning that the absence of a signed agreement could lead to the discontinuation of vital health programs, underscoring the urgency of resolving the current impasse.”.
END OF RETURN.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
