The United States has announced a $50 million reduction in annual medical aid to Zambia, following the country’s inadequate response to widespread theft of donated medicines.
In a statement on Thursday, US Ambassador Michael Gonzales revealed that the cut was prompted by Zambia’s failure to address the theft of life-saving drugs intended for free public distribution. The stolen medications, including those for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis, were uncovered during an investigation into 2,000 pharmacies across the nation.
Despite earlier requests in 2024, the Zambian government has been criticized for focusing investigations on low-level offenders rather than the key individuals behind the theft. Gonzales emphasised that only a few mid-level officials had been arrested, while the broader issue remained largely unaddressed.
The US ambassador explained that the decision was made after multiple years of diplomatic pressure and engagement. He stated, “The United States can no longer justify continuing to provide such massive levels of assistance when the Zambian government fails to protect this investment.”
Zambia, a debt-ridden nation with a population of 21 million, relies heavily on foreign aid, with a significant portion of its public health spending coming from the US. The country has been grappling with poverty, with over 64% of its population living below the poverty line.
While President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration began with anti-corruption efforts, including high-profile arrests, the fight against graft has slowed in recent months. The aid cuts, effective from January 2026, come amid broader reviews of US foreign aid spending.