Zambia pushes back on $1 billion US health aid deal

Zambia has pushed back on part of a proposed health financing agreement worth more than $1 billion with the United States, saying certain provisions do not align with its national interests.

The five-year deal would channel more than $1 billion in US funding to support programs targeting HIV, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease outbreak preparedness. It also requires the Zambian government to contribute roughly $340 million in co-financing over the same period, according to a draft of the agreement.

The pact had been expected to be signed in November but was delayed after revised drafts introduced a contentious clause, a ministry of health spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"The section in question did not align with the position and interests of the government of Zambia," the spokesperson said, adding that Lusaka has requested further revisions. Officials did not disclose details of the disputed provision.

Health advocates have raised concerns that elements of the agreement could tie funding to mining access and pose potential data-sharing risks.

Zambia said the agreement was focused on health.

"It has no relation whatsoever to minerals, mining, or any natural resources," the health ministry spokesperson added, saying they remained open to constructive engagement, "but only within terms that are clear, mutually agreed upon, and fully aligned with Zambia's national interests."