US to cut medical aid to Zambia by $50 million over ’systematic theft’
The reduction in aid is not related to the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign assistance.
The United States will cut $50 million in medical aid to Zambia due to the country’s failure to address the “systematic theft” of donated medicines and medical equipment, U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzalez announced.
While President Donald Trump’s administration is concluding a broader review of foreign aid, Gonzalez clarified that the Zambia cut is “entirely unrelated” to that process.
According to him, the “difficult” decision came after repeated U.S. warnings to the Zambian government about the need to safeguard critical medications intended for the country’s most vulnerable patients.
“It is with disappointment that I announce publicly today that since 2021, we have uncovered systemic theft of vital medicines and other supplies intended to be provided free of charge to the people of Zambia,” Gonzalez stated.
He added that among the stolen medications were antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV.
According to the U.S. Embassy, Zambian law enforcement has focused only on "low-level actors," arresting "just a few mid-level officials" rather than investigating supply chains or prosecuting the organizers of the drug theft.
The embassy’s investigation revealed that over 2,000 pharmacies across Zambia were selling medicines and equipment that had been donated to the country for free.
“Astonishingly, 95% of the pharmacies selling U.S.-supplied products were also selling stolen goods,” the statement said.
Nearly half of these pharmacies were found to be selling medications and medical supplies donated by the U.S. government. Others were selling stolen items originally purchased by the Zambian government, the Global Fund, and other international donors.
Ambassador Gonzalez stated that the U.S. "can no longer justify to American taxpayers the continuation of such large-scale aid."
The cuts will affect supplies for the treatment of malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.
The U.S. will continue to procure and deliver life-saving medicines and supplies to Zambia through January 2026 to give the government time to develop a transition plan.
After January, the U.S. will still provide technical and logistical support to sustain humanitarian efforts, prevent drug resistance, and curb the spread of disease.
In early February, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting all U.S. aid to the Republic of South Africa. The document, published on the White House website, accuses the South African government of discriminating against white farmers and posing a threat to U.S. allies.
Analysts warn that the suspension of financial support could deal a serious blow to South Africa’s healthcare system. In 2023, the United States provided nearly $440 million in aid to the country, most of which was allocated to HIV/AIDS programs. The U.S. initiative PEPFAR funded 17% of South Africa’s national HIV treatment program, supplying medication to millions of patients.
World Affairs Correspondent
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