U.S. Cuts \$50 Million Medical Aid to Zambia Over Systemic Theft Concerns
The United States government has announced a major cut of \$50 million (approximately K1.4 billion) in annual medical aid to Zambia, citing the Zambian government’s failure to act against widespread theft of life-saving medicines.
In a press conference held at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, Ambassador Michael Gonzales described the decision as “deeply regrettable” but necessary to protect American taxpayer resources. The aid reduction, effective from January 2026, targets medications and medical supplies used to treat HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis—diseases that have long been at the center of U.S.-Zambia health partnerships.
The Ambassador revealed shocking findings from a multi-year investigation, where U.S. teams visited over 2,000 pharmacies across all ten provinces. The results: 95% were found selling stolen drugs, and nearly half of those were distributing medications originally donated by the U.S. for free public use.
“Millions of Zambians are alive today because of U.S. support. But this aid is not intended for corruption,” Gonzales stated. He added that despite over 33 high-level meetings with Zambian officials and repeated offers of U.S. support to improve accountability, tangible actions remain “drastically short.”
Since 2021, the U.S. has pushed for stronger investigations and high-level accountability, but enforcement has focused only on minor actors. A forensic audit into ZAMMSA has yet to yield a public report.
The United States currently contributes around \$600 million annually to Zambia, with \$128 million allocated for health-related support. With this reduction, the U.S. plans to continue aid through January 2026 to allow Zambia time to prepare a transition strategy and avoid drug shortages.
The Embassy confirmed that this move is independent of the broader Trump Administration foreign aid review.
“We will continue to support the Zambian people, but not at the cost of enabling theft and corruption,” said Gonzales.
Zambian authorities have yet to issue an official response.
