US Embassy Says Cancelling Zimbabwe’s Health Deal Will Affect Millions

Harare, Zimbabwe – The United States (US) Embassy in Zimbabwe has expressed deep regret after President Emmerson Mnangagwa directed government ministries to discontinue negotiations on a proposed $350 million health support deal. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), part of the America First Global Health Strategy, would have supported HIV/AIDS treatment, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease outbreak preparedness.

In a statement, Ambassador Pamela Tremont said:

“We believe this collaboration would have delivered extraordinary benefits for Zimbabwean communities, especially the 1.2 million men, women, and children currently receiving HIV treatment through U.S.-supported programs. We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe.”

The MoU represented the largest potential health investment in Zimbabwe by any international partner. It was structured as a co-funding initiative, requiring Zimbabwe to gradually increase domestic health funding while leveraging U.S. support. Since 2006, U.S. health programs in Zimbabwe have contributed over $1.9 billion, directly helping the country meet UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

Ambassador Tremont emphasized accountability and shared ownership:

“The United States has a responsibility to American taxpayers to invest resources where mutual accountability, transparency, and shared commitment are assured. These MOUs set a higher standard for bilateral health co-operation, prioritizing sustainability, measurable outcomes, and shared ownership of results.”

The Zimbabwean government cited “lop-sided” terms that, in its view, compromised sovereignty. The U.S. Embassy confirmed that the withdrawal pauses funding, affecting millions who rely on ongoing HIV/AIDS and other health services.

This development spotlights the complex balance between international aid and national autonomy. While the U.S. remains committed to Zimbabwe’s health sector, future collaborations will require mutually acceptable terms before funding can resume.