The United States has announced plans to reduce its health-related aid to Zambia following revelations of widespread theft and mismanagement of US-funded medical supplies, including vital antiretroviral drugs intended for HIV treatment.
In a statement released on Thursday, the US Embassy in Lusaka said the decision followed a detailed investigation that uncovered significant evidence of systemic pilfering within Zambia’s public health supply chain. The supplies in question, funded through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), were found to have been diverted and sold on the black market.
According to the embassy, while the US remains committed to supporting Zambia’s healthcare sector, it can no longer maintain the current level of assistance without stronger assurances of accountability and transparency from the Zambian authorities.
“Effective immediately, the United States is reducing certain components of PEPFAR assistance in Zambia until adequate safeguards are put in place to prevent the theft and resale of life-saving medical commodities,” the statement read.
The announcement comes after months of scrutiny by American and Zambian investigators who traced the diversion of large quantities of HIV medicines, particularly antiretrovirals, to unauthorised vendors. These drugs, which were meant to be dispensed free of charge at public health facilities, were discovered in private pharmacies and informal markets.
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In response, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has pledged to clamp down on corruption within the healthcare system. His government has launched a high-level task force to address the crisis and restore donor confidence.
“We take this matter very seriously. Those responsible for undermining our national health response will face the full force of the law,” President Hichilema stated during a press briefing.
The reduction in aid is expected to have a short-term impact on HIV treatment programmes in Zambia, where approximately 1.5 million people are living with HIV. The US has been one of Zambia’s largest health sector donors, contributing over $500 million annually through PEPFAR.
Health Minister Sylvia Masebo has called for calm and assured the public that emergency measures are being introduced to mitigate disruptions in the supply of essential medicines.
“We are working closely with our international partners, including the US government, to rebuild trust and strengthen our supply chain monitoring systems,” she said.
The US Embassy reiterated its hope that aid levels could be restored in the future, contingent on the Zambian government’s implementation of rigorous reforms and improved accountability mechanisms.
