17/11/2025
NOVEMBER 17, 2025, LUSAKA – ZAMBIA
A high-level United States Government delegation visited Lusaka on November 17 to initiate discussions on a new direction for U.S. health assistance to Zambia. The talks focused on a major grant package from the United States aimed at strengthening Zambia’s health systems and services over the next five years.
The proposed framework commits both governments to agreed funding levels and measurable health performance targets, with the goal of accelerating Zambia’s transition from reliance on external aid to a nationally led and sustainably financed health system that meets the needs of its people.
The discussions were led by U.S. State Department Senior Health Advisor Brad Smith, alongside Zambia’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, and Minister of Defense Hon. Ambrose Lufuma. The meeting also included U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzales, senior officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department, as well as the Zambia National Public Health Institute Director General and Presidential Advisor on Health, Professor Roma Chilengi, and Director for Infectious Diseases, Professor Mulenga.
This new approach builds on more than two decades of collaboration between the two countries in combating HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, maternal and child mortality, and public health emergencies. It also aims to preserve and strengthen the laboratory networks, data systems, health workforce, and medical interventions jointly developed to ensure long-term sustainability, safeguard Zambia’s health gains, and enhance regional and global health security.
