US Withholds $50 Million in Zambian Health Aid Due to Theft of Medicines

The United States has declared its intention to decrease health aid to Zambia in response to claims of financial embezzlement.

The United States has declared that it will reduce its yearly aid to Zambia’s health sector by $50 million because the government has not stopped what it called “systemic theft” of medical supplies and life-saving medications that were supposed to be freely distributed to the people.

In a statement released Thursday, US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales said the decision had nothing to do with the administration of President Donald Trump’s ongoing assessment of US foreign aid.

In reference to stolen goods that included antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, Gonzales stated, “I am sad to announce publicly today that since 2021 we have discovered systemic theft of life-saving medicines and other products that were intended for free for the Zambian public.”

In response to US concerns, Zambia’s Ministry of Health acknowledged that chronic medical supply theft was a “persistent challenge” prior to 2021. According to the ministry, President Hakainde Hichilema, upon learning of the problem, requested an independent forensic examination of the nation’s entire pharmaceutical supply chain.

The ministry further stated that several personnel involved in the theft had been arrested and are anticipated to face trial, while others had been suspended or fired.

The health ministry attempted to reassure the public in spite of the setbacks by declaring: “Zambia currently maintains sufficient stocks of essential medicines, including antiretroviral, antimalarial, and other critical drugs, with no immediate risk of shortages.”

Ambassador Gonzales added that in order to give the government time to develop a viable transition plan, he had recommended that Washington keep sending Zambia vital medications and health supplies until January 2026. After that date, the United States will keep up its logistical and technical assistance to sustain humanitarian health initiatives and stop the spread of disease and medication resistance.