Tinashe C Mkandla
The United States is set to end its health support programmes in Zimbabwe by the end of September 2026 after the two countries failed to agree on a new health deal.
US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont said American-supported health programmes will be gradually brought to an end. The US Embassy will work with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and other partners to make sure the change is handled properly.
The proposed agreement was worth about US$367 million over five years. It was meant to support important health programmes, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and preparation for disease outbreaks.
However, talks between the two countries broke down over some parts of the agreement, including issues around health data. Zimbabwe raised concerns about protecting its health information and the conditions attached to the funding.
The US Embassy, however, denied claims that the agreement was seeking private health information.
The US has supported Zimbabwe’s health sector for more than 20 years. Its support has helped with HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, medicines, and support for health workers.
Ambassador Tremont also said Zimbabwe had made good progress in fighting HIV.
According to the figures she gave, 97 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 98 percent of those diagnosed are receiving treatment, and 96 percent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.
The US Embassy and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health will now work together on the handover as the programmes are brought to an end.
The end of the US health programmes will bring a major change to the health partnership between the two countries, after years of American support for Zimbabwe’s health sector.
