Zambia is set to sign a deal with the US for $1.5 billion in health funding, following negotiations that stalled earlier this year. The agreement, to be signed on Thursday, had been held up over disagreements on mineral rights and sharing of patient data. According to Health Minister Roma Chilengi, the deal is part of a larger $3.6 billion funding package from both the US and Zambian governments over five years.
The initial talks on the deal broke down in May over what Zambia's government described as "unacceptable" terms. These included the US insistence on preferential treatment for American companies over Zambia's critical minerals. However, Chilengi emphasized that the Ministry of Health had never seen a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that mentioned critical minerals. The revised MoU addresses Zambian concerns over data sharing, intellectual property, and patient specimens.
Under the terms of the deal, Zambia will not be required to share patient specimens, and concerns about individual patient data have been removed. Chilengi confirmed that the US contribution to the deal is $1.5 billion. The funding is part of a broader US effort to engage in one-on-one health aid deals with African countries, following the shutdown of the USAID agency last year.
More than a dozen countries have already signed similar health aid deals with the US, including Rwanda, Uganda, Lesotho, and Eswatini. However, Zimbabwe halted its negotiations, citing concerns that the MoU would compromise its sovereignty and independence. The US embassy announced last month that US-supported health programs in Zimbabwe would conclude at the end of September.
The deal with Zambia is a significant development in the country's healthcare sector. The funding will support health programs and initiatives aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for Zambians. Details of specific projects or programs to be funded under the deal have not been disclosed.
The US has been pursuing individual health aid deals with African countries as part of its new approach to health diplomacy on the continent. This approach follows the shutdown of the USAID agency last year, which had previously coordinated US health aid to Africa. The deals are seen as a way for the US to engage directly with countries on health issues.
The agreement between Zambia and the US is a positive development for the country's healthcare sector. It is expected to improve health outcomes and access to healthcare services for Zambians. The deal is also seen as a significant step in the US's efforts to strengthen its health diplomacy in Africa.
Key points
- The US and Zambia have reached a deal for $1.5 billion in health funding.
- The deal is part of a larger $3.6 billion funding package over five years.
- The agreement addresses concerns over data sharing, intellectual property, and patient specimens.
