Zimbabwe Faces Health Crisis After US Pulls Lifesaving HIV, TB and Malaria Support
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DEAL OR NO DEAL? America has cut HIV/TB and Malaria Health Funding to Zimbabwe as Zanu PF rejects the offered deal. |
Zimbabwe is facing a looming public health crisis after the United States Embassy confirmed it will shut down major HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programmes following the government’s decision to reject a US$367 million funding deal.
The move comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly ordered officials to halt negotiations over concerns that the agreement threatened Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and could give foreign powers access to sensitive national health data and strategic sectors.
1.2 Million HIV Patients at Risk
The withdrawal threatens the lives of more than 1.2 million Zimbabweans who currently rely on antiretroviral treatment supported by the United States. These programmes have been a lifeline for millions, helping Zimbabwe make major progress in controlling HIV and reducing deaths over the past two decades.
US Ambassador Pamela Tremont confirmed the decision, describing it as difficult but unavoidable after negotiations collapsed.
“We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The funding package would have supported HIV treatment, tuberculosis control, malaria prevention, maternal health, and outbreak preparedness over the next five years.
Why Zimbabwe Rejected the Deal
Zimbabwean authorities reportedly objected to several conditions attached to the agreement, including demands for increased transparency, access to health data, and oversight mechanisms. Officials also feared the deal could create foreign influence over national priorities and critical resources.
Government leaders insisted Zimbabwe must protect its independence and instead focus on strengthening its own healthcare funding systems.
Billions Already Invested
Since 2006, the US has invested over US$1.9 billion into Zimbabwe’s health sector through programmes such as USAID and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, helping the country achieve global HIV treatment targets set by UNAIDS.
These programmes have funded:
- HIV medication and treatment
- TB detection and treatment
- Malaria prevention programmes
- Training for healthcare workers
- Equipment and support for rural clinics
Government Promises to Fill the Gap
Zimbabwe’s Health Minister, Douglas Mombeshora, said the government is accelerating plans to introduce a National Health Insurance Scheme and increase domestic funding through taxes such as the AIDS Levy.
Officials say Zimbabwe is prepared to continue the fight without foreign assistance, but experts warn replacing such massive funding will be extremely difficult.
Uncertain Future for Millions
The shutdown raises serious concerns about:
- Possible drug shortages
- Treatment interruptions
- Increased HIV and TB deaths
- Collapse of rural health support systems
While 16 other African countries accepted similar funding deals, Zimbabwe’s decision now leaves millions facing an uncertain future as one of the largest foreign health support programmes in the country comes to an end.
The coming months will determine whether Zimbabwe’s healthcare system can survive without the support it relied on for nearly two decades.
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