The United States has announced a $50 million cut in health aid to Zambia due to what it described as the Zambian government’s failure to address the systematic theft of donated medicines and medical supplies. The decision, labeled “difficult” by US Ambassador Michael Gonzales, comes after a year-long investigation revealed widespread theft and resale of life-saving drugs meant for public hospitals.
Speaking at a press briefing, Ambassador Gonzales stated, “We are no longer willing to underwrite the personal enrichment of fraudsters or the corrupt when patients go without or have to buy life-saving medications that we have provided for free.”
The US accounts for about one-third of Zambia’s public health spending. However, investigations by the US embassy revealed that more than 2,000 pharmacies across Zambia were selling drugs that were originally donated by the US and other international partners for free distribution. A staggering 95% of these pharmacies were found to be selling stolen medications, with nearly half directly reselling US-donated drugs.
Despite repeated alerts and offers of technical assistance from the US embassy in April 2024, officials say the Zambian government failed to take significant action. The embassy criticized local law enforcement for focusing on low-level arrests while ignoring the masterminds behind the theft networks.
In response, Zambia’s Health Minister Elijah Muchima acknowledged the gravity of the situation but noted that the issue of medical theft predates the current administration, which assumed office in 2021. He thanked the US for its long-standing support and reassured citizens that the government had introduced an advanced digital tracking system to monitor drug distribution.
The aid cut will take effect in January next year, affecting supplies for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis treatment. Ambassador Gonzales, visibly emotional, said the decision had not been made lightly but was necessary to ensure accountability.
The development adds to the strain caused by a broader foreign aid freeze initiated by former US President Donald Trump. Since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, billions in global health assistance—particularly through USAID—have been slashed, impacting African nations including Zambia, where HIV remains a significant public health challenge.
In March, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema criticized the US cuts, stating, “Trump has slapped us on both cheeks,” and emphasized the urgent need for Zambia to become self-reliant in procuring essential medicines.
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