Zimbabwe has rejected a proposed United States health funding agreement worth $367 million over five years. Details emerged after a December government memo leaked. The memo showed President Emmerson Mnangagwa viewed the deal as “lopsided”.
He believed it did not serve Zimbabwe’s long-term interests. Officials also raised concerns about sovereignty and data control. They worried about unequal benefit-sharing under the agreement.
According to the US embassy, the funding targeted HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. It also aimed to support maternal health and outbreak preparedness. US Ambassador Pamela Tremont said the partnership could deliver “extraordinary benefits”. The embassy noted 1.2 million Zimbabweans currently receive HIV treatment. It added that the US provided $1.9 billion in health aid over two decades.
Why Government Officials Raised Concerns
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana described the proposal as “asymmetrical”. He said Zimbabwe would share biological samples and health data.
However, the country would receive no firm guarantees in return. “Zimbabwe was being asked to share its biological resources and data over an extended period, with no corresponding guarantee of access to any medical innovations — such as vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments — that might result,” Mangwana said.
He warned this could leave Zimbabwe supplying the “raw materials for scientific discovery”. Furthermore, he argued future vaccines might remain inaccessible during crises.
Global Health Shifts and Calls for Dialogue
The disagreement comes amid major shifts in US foreign health policy. President Donald Trump has reduced foreign aid since returning to office. He also closed the United States Agency for International Development.
He argued that direct agreements improve accountability. The US also withdrew from the World Health Organization. Zimbabwe says this move disrupted multilateral health systems.
Mangwana cited the WHO’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. He said it ensures fair vaccine and treatment access. Despite tensions, officials called for continued engagement.
“We welcome continued dialogue with our American counterparts on how future co-operation might be structured in a manner that respects the sovereignty and dignity of both nations,” he said.
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