A data-sharing clause derailed US-Zimbabwe health talks. Now all funding ends this month

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — The United States will end funding for Zimbabwe’s health programs at the end of September following the collapse of negotiations over a U.S.-proposed deal that Zimbabwe rejected in part over a requirement to share sensitive health data, the U.S. An embassy spokesperson in Harare confirmed the decision and released remarks delivered this week by U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont at an event titled “Beyond assistance.” Tremont said the end of U.S.-supported health programs followed “Zimbabwe’s decision to decline a bilateral health MOU.” She added that the U.S.

will now shift its relations with Zimbabwe “from one largely focused on health and humanitarian assistance, to one built on broader economic, trade and investment opportunities.” Zimbabwe is among the first countries to face the consequences of Washington’s new approach to tie health aid to bilateral country-to-country agreements. The withdrawal casts uncertainty over programs to combat HIV and other diseases in a country where shortages often force patients to bring basic supplies such as bandages to clinics and buy their own medicines. has been Zimbabwe’s largest health donor, supporting HIV prevention and treatment, tuberculosis and malaria programs, clinical care, laboratory systems, health workers, medical supplies and community-based programs.

Zimbabwean officials have raised concerns over diminishing international aid, saying the country would prioritize raising funds domestically as assistance from the U.S. and other Western countries dries up. Some health advocates, however, question whether Zimbabwe’s financially troubled government can absorb the costs.

“Zimbabweans have already been suffering gravely as a result of abrupt disruptions to lifesaving malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV programs caused by the U.S. stop work orders and USAID award terminations in 2025,” said Asia Russell, executive director of Health GAP, an international advocacy group. “This deadly decision will trigger a public health catastrophe,” she added.

The dispute dates to February, when both countries announced the collapse of talks on a bilateral deal proposed under U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach to foreign aid. Zimbabwe government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the proposal contained conditions the country could not accept, citing co…

Embassy said Friday.An embassy spokesperson in Harare confirmed the decision and released remarks delivered this week by U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach to foreign aid.Zimbabwe government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the proposal contained conditions the country could not accept, citing concerns ov…