Zambia will continue receiving support from the United States government for HIV, tuberculosis, and other health priorities, Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima has confirmed. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the leadership of the U.S. Bureau for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, Dr. Muchima highlighted the progress Zambia has made in combating HIV. He noted that despite increased domestic financing for the health sector, external support remains essential until the country achieves full self-reliance.
Dr. Muchima expressed concern over the 30,000 new HIV infections recorded annually, particularly among adolescent girls and young women, warning that this trend threatens the progress achieved so far. He emphasized the need for sustained interventions to maintain gains in HIV prevention and treatment.
U.S. Senior Advisor for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, Mr. Brad Smith, reaffirmed Zambia’s status as a priority partner under the newly released America First Global Health Strategy. He stressed the importance of developing strategies that would gradually reduce Zambia’s dependence on donor funding while addressing public health challenges.
As part of its ongoing commitment, the U.S. government will provide abridged funding to Zambia through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from October 2025 to March 2026. During this six-month period, both governments and key stakeholders will collaborate on a multi-year strategic plan. Dr. Muchima welcomed the pledge, stating that all HIV-related commodities promised for 2026 will be made available.
Additional priority areas for U.S. support include strengthening Zambia’s frontline health workforce, improving disease surveillance, enhancing data systems, and providing technical assistance. All commodities procured by the U.S. government for 2026 will be managed through PEPFAR to ensure efficient distribution.
Zambia will also receive Lenacapavir, a six-month injectable antiretroviral for HIV prevention, directly from the U.S. government. This initiative will complement doses for over 22,000 individuals expected through Global Fund support. The combined investment aims to reduce new HIV infections significantly and reinforce Zambia’s public health infrastructure.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York City, highlighting the continued international collaboration in addressing public health challenges in Zambia.