LUSAKA, 8 October 2026 – Zambia and the United States signed a five-year health cooperation agreement worth $2.49 billion on Thursday, after removing contested provisions on the sharing of biological samples and patient data.
Washington is to provide $1.52 billion and Lusaka is to commit a further $975 million to its health system, according to the US State Department cited by Associated Press. The Zambian government confirms a US contribution of more than $1.5 billion and a national commitment of 975 million.
The agreement covers the maintenance of essential services, recruitment and financing of staff, medicine supplies, disease surveillance and data systems. Zambian Health Minister Roma Chilengi said it should support the recruitment of 40,000 health workers over five years, according to Associated Press.
The amounts are multi-year commitments rather than an immediate payment. Implementation will be tied to agreed programmes and targets, while Zambia must gradually increase its national health spending and take on more functions currently supported by external aid.
The signing comprises a memorandum of understanding and a separate data agreement. The Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that only data directly linked to the operation of the programme will have to be shared. Associated Press reports that clauses providing for the transfer of samples and patient data were removed after they had delayed the conclusion of the pact.
Lusaka has also separated this agreement from discussions with Washington on critical minerals. Zambian authorities say that no mining provisions are included in the health text, a sensitive point for Africa's second-largest copper producer.
The partnership follows the US decision, in 2025, to withdraw about $50 million in annual aid to the health sector, citing the diversion of medicines and medical supplies. The Zambian government has since replaced the 150 employees of the agency responsible for distributing these products.
For Zambia's public finances, external funding may preserve programmes against HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and maternal health while freeing up some resources in the short term. The commitment of $975 million nonetheless adds to the national budgetary burden as US aid is set to decline.