U.S. and Zambia Forge New Path for Health Partnership
A senior United States Government delegation visited Lusaka today to discuss a new direction for U.S. health support to Zambia, centred on a major grant package aimed at strengthening the country’s health systems over the next five years.
The proposed framework sets agreed funding levels and measurable health performance targets, with the goal of transitioning Zambia from reliance on external aid to a nationally led, sustainably financed health system.
The delegation, led by U.S. State Department Senior Health Advisor Brad Smith, met with Zambia’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, and Minister of Defence Hon. Ambrose Lufuma. Also present were U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzales, officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and key Zambian health leaders including Professor Roma Chilengi and Professor Mulenga.
This initiative builds on over 20 years of collaboration between the two nations in combating HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, maternal and child mortality, and public health emergencies.
It also seeks to safeguard and enhance Zambia’s laboratory networks, data systems, health workforce, and medical interventions to ensure long-term sustainability and strengthen regional and global health security.
This was in a statement issued by Georgia Mutale Chimombo, Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Health, Zambia.
