Michael Gwarisa
A report in The New York Times reveals that the U.S. State Department is considering a significant reduction in health assistance to Zambia as a negotiating tool to gain greater access to the country’s critical minerals.
According to The New York Times, a draft memo prepared for Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggests Washington may publicly scale back support to encourage Zambia to sign an agreement favorable to U.S. economic interests.
Currently, more than 1.3 million Zambians rely on daily HIV treatment funded through the long-standing U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In addition, tens of thousands of Zambians benefit annually from U.S.-supported tuberculosis and malaria medications. The memo indicates that cuts to this assistance could begin as early as May, putting additional pressure on the Zambian government.
This development comes amid a broader U.S. push to link foreign health aid to policy commitments. Over the past year, the State Department has asked recipient countries to sign new agreements promising to increase domestic health spending in exchange for continued funding. So far, 24 countries have agreed, securing a combined $20 billion in health support over five years.
Observers warn that such a tactic could have serious public health consequences, potentially disrupting access to essential medications for vulnerable populations. At the same time, the U.S. sees the strategy as a way to protect its strategic and economic priorities in Africa, particularly in regions rich in minerals needed for technology and industry.
(Source: Stephanie Nolen, The New York Times, March 16, 2026)
