By Ollus Ndomu
The United States has slashed K1.4 billion ($50 million) in annual medical aid to Zambia, citing widespread theft of life-saving HIV, malaria, and TB medications donated to the country’s public health system.
U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales made the announcement during a press briefing in Lusaka, Thursday, detailing a years-long audit trail revealing that nearly half of U.S.-donated medical stock is being stolen and sold illegally on the open market.
“Between 2021 and 2023, buyers visited more than 2,000 pharmacies across the country. Shockingly, 95% of pharmacies that sold U.S.-donated products were also found selling stolen medicines,” Gonzales said. “This includes critical ARVs, malaria medication, and TB drugs—meant to be given to Zambians for free.”
Ambassador Gonzales underlined that despite more than 33 high-level meetings with senior government officials including permanent secretaries, law enforcement, and Cabinet members, the Zambian government has failed to hold perpetrators accountable or implement robust corrective systems.
A Forensic Audit, No Justice
The U.S. initiated a forensic audit at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) in 2023 after uncovering systemic corruption. But nearly seven months in, no report has been released—publicly or privately.
“Instead of going after the masterminds, the focus has remained on small fish. Only a few mid-level arrests have been made, while the real architects of this criminal enterprise continue to operate untouched,” Gonzales lamented.
Impact on HIV, Malaria, and TB Programs
Zambia’s health sector stands at a dangerous crossroads. The country has over 1.3 million people living with HIV, most of whom rely on antiretroviral treatment (ART) fully funded by the U.S. through initiatives like PEPFAR.
U.S. funding also supports procurement of malaria nets, TB testing kits, and critical diagnostic tools.
Ambassador Gonzales stressed that while the U.S. will continue limited humanitarian health support through January 2026, including procurement and delivery of key drugs, the overall cut is significant. Discussions with Zambia’s government remain ongoing, but the aid freeze is in effect.
“We Cannot Fund Theft”
“We cannot continue to underwrite the personal enrichment of fraudsters while patients go without life-saving medicines,” Gonzales stated. “Zambians deserve accountability. So do the American taxpayers.”
He also clarified that the $50 million cut is unrelated to the broader reassessment of U.S. foreign assistance under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Systemic Dependence and Dysfunction
Zambia has long relied on external donors to run key sectors, particularly health. But this latest move lays bare the structural weaknesses and chronic dependency of the country’s medical supply chain.
Critics say this is not just a donor pullout—it’s a reflection of moral failure.
“Stealing medicine from AIDS patients is not just corruption. It’s treason,” said one Lusaka-based health policy expert. “And yet, the silence from senior leadership has been deafening.”
Calls for Urgent Reform
The development has triggered national debate. Many citizens and civil society groups are demanding immediate government action to:
- Declare the theft of medicines a national emergency.
- Conduct a full overhaul of ZAMMSA and public pharmacy procurement systems.
- Increase domestic investment in the health budget.
- Introduce strict laws with mandatory jail terms for medical theft.
With rising unemployment, a weakened kwacha, and an under-resourced public health system, many fear the U.S. aid cut could trigger medicine stockouts by 2026 and reverse Zambia’s gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“A Wake-Up Call We Deserved”
While some view the U.S. decision as a punitive blow, others see it as the tough love Zambia desperately needed.
“This is not a foreign insult, it’s a mirror. What we see is not pretty, but it’s ours to fix,” said one health rights activist.
Zambia’s path forward now hinges on one thing: whether its leaders can act swiftly, honestly, and boldly enough to restore public trust; and save lives.
