The U.S. government has announced an additional grant of $367 million to Zambia to support efforts in controlling the HIV epidemic. Health Minister Elijah Muchima confirmed that, in collaboration with the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the implementation of the second year of a two-year bilateral grant agreement will commence in October.
Minister Muchima emphasized that this funding aims to enhance and sustain integrated HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs, while also strengthening Zambia’s health system in response to various health threats. At a quarterly stakeholders meeting in Lusaka, he expressed gratitude for the ongoing financial and technical support from the U.S., which totals approximately $400 million annually.
Since 2004, Zambia has received a cumulative $7 billion from the U.S. for tuberculosis and HIV control initiatives. Muchima also highlighted the urgent need for additional technical and financial support to bolster surveillance against Mpox, which has recently emerged in the region. He raised concerns over maternal health, noting that the country continues to experience an average of 15 preventable maternal deaths daily.
U.S. Charge d’Affaires Linnisa Wahid reaffirmed her government’s commitment to HIV control, reporting that nearly eight million HIV tests have been conducted with PEPFAR support. She noted that over one million Zambians are on life-saving treatment, representing 96% of those estimated to be living with HIV. Wahid urged stakeholders to consider lowering the age at which adolescents can be tested and treated for HIV without parental consent.
