Government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States Government (USG) worth $1.5 billion to support the country’s health sector.
said that the MoU is expected to be signed in December 2025, which will run for five years from April 2026 and will support the country’s efforts to improve healthcare services, including reducing the burden of HIV, TB and malaria.
Speaking at a high-level meeting between the two governments, Dr Muchima expressed the country’s commitment to strengthening its health systems, with a focus on human resources, laboratory capacities and local manufacturing.
Dr Muchima highlighted the significant contributions made by the USG to Zambia’s health sector, including $7 billion in HIV and TB control programmes since 2004.
He credited this support with improving life expectancy in Zambia from 33 years in 2004 to 64 years currently.
The Minister also outlined Zambia’s commitments under the MoU, including taking ownership of the programme, providing stewardship, and meeting its obligations, with a view to gradually taking over funding responsibilities after 2030.
“The USG has been Zambia’s largest external funder in the health sector, and this new agreement is expected to further enhance the country’s healthcare services and pandemic preparedness,” Dr Muchima said.
The meeting was attended by officials from both governments and Ambassador Michael Gonzalez was acknowledged for his contributions to shaping the partnership.
The United States of America Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, emphasised a new era of partnership between the United States and Zambia, focusing on mutual accountability, transparency, and equal agency in the health sector.
Ambassador Gonzales highlighted the significant progress made in Zambia’s health sector over the past 25 years, including a reduction in maternal mortality by over 30%, child mortality by similar numbers, and a 76 percent decrease in malaria deaths over the past decade.
He noted that the partnership is shifting from a donor recipient relationship to a true partnership, with both sides having equal agency and mutual accountability.
“The US government has contributed roughly one in three kwacha spent on public health in recent years and is committed to continuing its support,” he added.
Mr Gonzales also commended Zambia’s government for increasing funding towards the health sector and implementing reforms that will attract new investment and improve healthcare services.
He expressed optimism about Zambia’s future, stating that a healthy and vibrant population is key to driving growth and development.
Meanwhile, US State Department’s Senior Health Advisor, Brad Smith expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting productive technical discussions on commodities, human resources, data systems and data sharing.
Mr Smith said that the new partnership aims to build a stronger, more resilient Zambian health system, with mutual commitments from both countries.
“The US commitment is notable, being the highest on a per capita basis in Africa, considering the disease burden,” he said
We view this as a very important partnership with a lot of potential and collaboration focused on strengthening Zambia’s health system, improving leadership, and enhancing healthcare services.
The partnership is expected to benefit both countries, promoting trade, investment and people-to-people ties.
