The government of Zambia has officially agreed to participate in the America First Global Health Strategy, a partnership with the United States that aims to improve health outcomes in the Southern African nation. The agreement, signed on October 8, 2026, is valued at $2.49 billion, with $1.52 billion in planned US health assistance and $975 million in new funding committed by Zambia's government over five years. This partnership marks a new model of health cooperation between the two countries, focusing on greater Zambian investment, accountability, and self-reliance.
The America First Global Health Strategy is a Trump Administration initiative that seeks to strengthen global health security and promote sustainable health systems in partner countries. Zambia is one of 37 countries that have signed bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the US under this strategy. The MOUs represent over $27.2 billion in new health funding, including $16.1 billion in US assistance and $11.1 billion in co-investment from recipient countries. This initiative builds on decades of progress in fighting infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Under the agreement, the US will provide over $13 million in Global Health Security funding to enhance Zambia's ability to detect and respond to infectious disease threats. The partnership will also support Zambia in modernizing its health infrastructure, including the expansion of electronic medical records and interoperable data systems for disease surveillance. Over five years, Zambia will assume greater responsibility for its health system, including the procurement of health commodities and the transition of frontline health workers supported by the US into its civil service.
The US has a long history of providing health assistance to Zambia, with over 50 years of support in the sector. The new agreement represents a significant shift towards sustainable health systems, with Zambia committing to invest in its own health infrastructure and workforce. The partnership is expected to improve health outcomes for Zambians, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
The America First Global Health Strategy has been signed with 36 countries to date, including Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, and Tanzania. The initiative aims to promote global health security, strengthen health systems, and support countries in achieving self-reliance in health. The MOUs signed under this strategy represent a significant investment in global health, with a focus on sustainable partnerships and country-led solutions.
Zambia's commitment to the America First Global Health Strategy is seen as a significant step towards improving health outcomes in the country. The partnership with the US will provide critical support for Zambia's health sector, including funding, technical assistance, and expertise. The agreement is expected to have a lasting impact on Zambia's health system, enabling the country to better respond to health challenges and improve the well-being of its citizens.
The signing of the agreement marks a new chapter in US-Zambia health cooperation, with a focus on sustainable partnerships and country-led solutions. The America First Global Health Strategy is a key initiative in US global health policy, aiming to promote global health security and support countries in achieving self-reliance in health. The partnership with Zambia is a significant example of this effort, demonstrating the US commitment to improving health outcomes in Africa and around the world.
Key points
- The US and Zambia have signed a $2.5 billion health agreement under the America First Global Health Strategy.
- The partnership aims to improve health outcomes in Zambia, with a focus on sustainable health systems and self-reliance.
- The agreement is part of a broader US initiative to promote global health security and support countries in achieving self-reliance in health.
