Zimbabwe Doctors Urge Dialogue After US–Zimbabwe Health Talks Collapse

Parirenyatwa Hospital

The Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians (ZCPHP) has called for renewed and constructive engagement between Harare and Washington following the collapse of negotiations on a proposed bilateral health agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe and the United States Government.

In a statement, the College said it had taken note of the discontinuation of talks on a proposed health Memorandum of Understanding, as well as a subsequent communication from the US Embassy indicating a potential winding down of health assistance to Zimbabwe.

While reaffirming its respect for Zimbabwe’s sovereign right to ensure that all international agreements align with national priorities, ZCPHP cautioned that abrupt shifts in external health financing could jeopardise hard-won public health gains.

Progress Built on Partnership

The professional body acknowledged the significant strides Zimbabwe has made in strengthening its health system in recent years. These include the recruitment of additional nurses and frontline health workers, which has helped reinforce primary healthcare delivery across the country.

ZCPHP also pointed to Zimbabwe’s achievement of the UNAIDS 95:95:95 HIV targets as a major milestone, reflecting strong national leadership, sustained domestic commitment, and years of collaboration with development partners.

“These achievements represent important national public health gains,” the College said.

Risks of Abrupt Funding Shifts

Despite this progress, the physicians warned that critical components of Zimbabwe’s HIV and infectious disease response remain partially dependent on external financing, particularly support from flagship US programmes such as PEPFAR.

Antiretroviral medicines, laboratory consumables, disease surveillance systems, and supply-chain support were identified as especially vulnerable to sudden funding disruptions.

“An abrupt discontinuation of such support could risk treatment interruption, increased transmission, the emergence of drug resistance, and additional strain on the health system,” the statement warned.

ZCPHP stressed that controlling HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and emerging infectious diseases is not only a national priority but also a pillar of regional and global health security.

“A stable and resilient Zimbabwean health system contributes to broader international efforts to prevent and contain highly infectious diseases. Protecting these gains is therefore in the interest of both Zimbabwe and its international partners,” the College said.

Call for Predictable Transition and Dialogue

The College emphasised that transitions in health financing are most effective when they are predictable, gradual, and supported by technical expertise. It urged continued dialogue between Harare and Washington to resolve outstanding concerns while safeguarding uninterrupted access to essential health commodities and services.

ZCPHP added that technical issues, such as data governance or implementation frameworks, could be addressed through negotiation and expert input, rather than disengagement.

“The College stands ready to provide independent technical expertise to support this process,” the statement said.

Public health experts warn that while Zimbabwe has made notable advances over the past two decades, sustained cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibility remains critical to preserving those gains.

Zimbabwe US health agreement