Zambia, U.S. to Strengthen Health System with New MoU

The Governments of Zambia and the United States are poised to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health assistance, signalling a major step in the longstanding partnership between the two nations in the health sector.

The proposed MoU outlines a performance-based, co-financed collaboration designed to bolster Zambia’s health system while supporting the country’s transition towards self-reliance by 2030. Central to the agreement is a shared commitment to sustaining essential health services, strengthening national systems, and protecting the health gains achieved over the years.

Under the proposed arrangement, the partnership will maintain and expand access to vital health services, including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and maternal and child health care. It will also enhance disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and health data systems, with key health system functions such as supply chains, workforce management, and digital platforms gradually transitioning to full Zambian ownership by 2030. Increased domestic financing for health is expected to underpin long-term sustainability.

Key Areas of Cooperation

1. Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Response – Zambia’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to disease outbreaks will be strengthened through improved surveillance systems, the training of over 100 field epidemiologists, and enhanced rapid response mechanisms. Domestic investment is projected to increase as external support gradually reduces.
2. Laboratory Systems – The MoU envisages a nationally connected network of high-quality laboratories. Support will focus on laboratory commodities, skilled personnel, biosafety, and sample transportation, with Zambia progressively increasing its financial contribution.
3. Medicines and Medical Supplies – The partnership prioritises a secure and efficient supply chain for medicines and medical supplies, leveraging national systems such as the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA). Investments will support procurement, storage, distribution, and tracking of essential health commodities nationwide.
4. Frontline Health Workers – Human resources remain a cornerstone of the agreement. The GRZ is expected to maintain a minimum of 40,000 frontline health workers, including doctors, nurses, laboratory professionals, pharmacists, epidemiologists, and community health workers. Plans also include formally integrating community-based health volunteers into the national workforce.
   
5. Health Data and Digital Systems – The partnership will strengthen integrated and interoperable health information systems, including electronic medical records, laboratory information systems, logistics management platforms, disease surveillance tools, and a national health data warehouse to support evidence-based decision-making.

Once signed, the MoU will be overseen by a Joint Health Cooperation Steering Committee. Co-investment will be linked to performance, with Zambia’s annual health expenditure projected to rise from approximately USD 628 million in 2026 to over USD 1 billion by 2030.

The agreement reflects a mutual commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and nationally led health system that continues to deliver quality services to all Zambians beyond external assistance.

This is in the statement issued by Georgia Mutale Chimombo, Principal Public Relations Officer / Spokesperson, Ministry of Health.