US to End Health Programmes in Zimbabwe

By Staff Reporter

HARARE- The United States will conclude its health assistance programmes in Zimbabwe at the end of September 2026, following Zimbabwe’s decision to withdraw from negotiations over a proposed bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont confirmed the planned wind-down, saying Washington respected Zimbabwe’s decision not to proceed with the proposed agreement.

The development marks the end of more than two decades of US-supported health programmes in Zimbabwe, particularly in HIV prevention, treatment and health-system strengthening. “For more than two decades, the United States and Zimbabwe have worked together to strengthen health systems and expand access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment,” Tremont said.

She said the partnership had contributed to Zimbabwe achieving more than 95 percent HIV epidemic control, with 97 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status, 98 percent of diagnosed people receiving antiretroviral therapy and 96 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. US-supported programmes have included HIV treatment and prevention initiatives, antiretroviral medicines, pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis, condoms, family planning services and support for health workers.

Zimbabwe declined new US health agreement

The current withdrawal follows the collapse of negotiations over a proposed US$367 million bilateral health agreement that was intended to provide US health assistance over five years.

The proposed MoU was based on a new US funding model involving co-investment by recipient countries, with Washington presenting the approach as a way of promoting sustainability and greater national responsibility for health programmes.

Zimbabwe withdrew from the negotiations in February, with Government raising concerns about provisions relating to health data and other aspects of the proposed arrangement. Government officials described the proposed terms as unacceptable and raised concerns about data sovereignty and access to biological resources. The United States, however, presented the proposed agreement as a framework for continued health investment and co-financing.

The two sides therefore offered different accounts of the disputed provisions. Tremont said Zimbabwe’s decision meant that existing US-supported programmes would now come to an end. “With Zimbabwe’s decision to decline a bilateral health MOU, U.S.-supported health programs will conclude at the end of September,” she said. She added that the US Embassy was working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other partners to ensure a responsible handover.

US shifts towards trade and investment

The end of health assistance does not mean that Washington is ending its wider engagement with Zimbabwe. Tremont said the US Embassy would continue working with the Zimbabwean Government and people, with greater emphasis now being placed on economic, trade and investment opportunities.

“The U.S.-Zimbabwe relationship now pivots: from one largely focused on health and humanitarian assistance, to one built on broader economic, trade and investment opportunities to drive prosperity for Zimbabweans and Americans alike,” she said. She identified areas including agriculture, water, technology, energy, infrastructure, climate-smart solutions, artificial intelligence and mining as potential areas for increased cooperation.

The transition places greater responsibility on Zimbabwe to sustain health programmes previously supported by US assistance, while Washington seeks to establish a broader economic relationship with Harare. The US health programme withdrawal is therefore a change in the structure of bilateral cooperation rather than an end to US-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations.

US health funding Zimbabwe