Zambia Rejects Clause in $1 Billion U.S. Health Deal

Zambia has rejected a clause in a proposed $1 billion health assistance agreement with the United States, prompting a delay in the signing of the five-year deal.

According to a spokesperson for Zambia’s Ministry of Health, the disputed provision did not align with the government’s national interests, leading authorities to request further revisions. The official did not specify the exact details of the clause.

The agreement, which was initially expected to be signed in November, outlines U.S. funding to support efforts against diseases such as HIV and malaria, strengthen epidemic preparedness, and improve maternal and child health services.

Under the proposed framework, Zambia would also commit approximately $340 million in counterpart funding over the same period.

Meanwhile, some health advocacy groups have raised concerns that aspects of the agreement could be tied to access to Zambia’s mining sector and may involve sensitive data-sharing arrangements.