Zimbabwe’s leading public health body has weighed in on the fallout from the collapsed $350 million United States–Zimbabwe health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), warning that while sovereignty matters, health security must not become collateral damage. Zimbabwe walked out of the “one-sided” deal which president Emmerson Mnangagwa said would compromise the country’s sovereignty.
In a detailed statement seen by ZiGoats.com,, the Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians (ZCPHP) said it had “taken note of the recent communication regarding the discontinuation of negotiations” between Harare and Washington, as well as the US Embassy’s indication that it may begin winding down health assistance.
The College struck a careful tone.
ZCPHP said:
“As a professional body mandated to protect and promote public health in Zimbabwe, we recognise and respect the Government of Zimbabwe’s responsibility to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure that international agreements align with national interests.”
At the same time, the body reminded authorities and partners of the progress Zimbabwe has made. It pointed to the recruitment of additional nurses and frontline workers, stronger primary health care systems, and the country’s achievement of the UNAIDS 95:95:95 HIV targets, a milestone it said reflects “strong national leadership, sustained domestic commitment, and years of effective collaboration with development partners.”
But beneath the diplomatic language lies a clear warning.
ZCPHP noted that key elements of Zimbabwe’s HIV and infectious disease response, including antiretroviral medicines, laboratory commodities, surveillance systems and supply chains, still rely partly on external financing, particularly through US Government-supported programmes such as PEPFAR. The statement reads:
“An abrupt discontinuation of such support could risk treatment interruption, increased transmission, the emergence of drug resistance, and additional strain on the health system.”
The College framed the issue beyond politics, describing sustained control of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria as not only a national concern, but also “a matter of regional and global health security.”
Importantly, ZCPHP did not call for either side to retreat from principle. Instead, it urged phased and predictable financing transitions and “constructive engagement aimed at identifying mutually acceptable solutions that uphold sovereignty, ensure accountability, and safeguard the health of millions of Zimbabweans.”
They are clear, sovereignty and sustainability must walk together, because in public health, disruption carries consequences far beyond the negotiating table.
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