Ambassador says Zambian government failed to stop systemic theft of U.S.-funded life-saving medications
In a major diplomatic move with serious implications for public health in Zambia, the United States government has announced plans to cut $50 million in annual aid to the country, citing what it described as the “systemic theft” of donated medicines and medical supplies. The decision was confirmed on Thursday by Michael Gonzales, the U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, during a press briefing in Lusaka.
According to Ambassador Gonzales, the aid suspension is a response to extensive evidence showing that large volumes of U.S.-funded medications—meant to be distributed free to the Zambian public—have been stolen and resold by private pharmacies. The stolen drugs include treatments for life-threatening diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.
“This was a deeply difficult decision for us,” Gonzales stated. “But the United States cannot and will not continue to underwrite the personal enrichment of fraudsters with American taxpayer money.”
Massive Theft Uncovered in National Probe
The United States uncovered the theft ring in 2021, when investigators began noticing inconsistencies in medical supply chains and reports of U.S.-branded drugs being sold illegally in private pharmacies. Over a two-year investigation spanning from 2021 to 2023, roughly 2,000 pharmacies across Zambia were inspected. Shockingly, nearly half were found to be selling medicines and products funded by U.S. foreign assistance.
The ambassador said the Zambian government had been repeatedly warned about the problem but failed to take sufficient action to stop the corruption. Despite being presented with the findings in 2023, no meaningful steps were taken to hold those responsible accountable or to implement stronger safeguards.
“This is not about politics—it is about integrity, accountability, and the lives of ordinary Zambians,” Gonzales added. “These are medications that were supposed to be freely available to people in need. Instead, they were stolen and sold for profit.”
Impact on Zambia’s Public Health Sector
The U.S. government, through various global health programs, is one of the largest contributors to Zambia’s public health budget. According to the U.S. embassy in Lusaka, American aid accounts for approximately one-third of Zambia’s public health spending, particularly in the areas of antiretroviral therapy, malaria treatment, and tuberculosis prevention.
The aid cut is expected to have significant repercussions on Zambia’s already strained healthcare system. With a high burden of infectious diseases and limited resources, the country has relied heavily on foreign support to provide access to essential drugs for millions of its citizens.
Health experts and civil society organizations in Zambia expressed concern over the decision, warning of a potential public health crisis if replacement funding or alternative supplies are not secured in time.
“This will have a devastating impact on our ability to treat vulnerable populations,” said a senior official from Zambia’s Ministry of Health, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue. “We are urging both governments to resolve this issue diplomatically in the interest of public health.”
Zambian Government Silent as Pressure Mounts
As of Thursday evening, the Zambian government had not issued any official statement in response to the announcement. The silence has raised further questions about its willingness or ability to tackle the corruption that led to the aid cut.
Analysts say the lack of immediate response suggests either a lack of preparedness or internal divisions about how to handle the scandal. Calls are growing from opposition parties and watchdog groups for the government to launch a transparent investigation and prosecute those responsible for the theft of medical supplies.
“The government must act decisively to restore international confidence,” said Linda Mukwasha, director of the Zambian chapter of Transparency International. “If these reports are accurate, then this is not just theft—it is a betrayal of public trust at the highest level.”
Transition Period Offered for Procurement Planning
While the aid reduction is significant, Ambassador Gonzales indicated that it will not take effect immediately. He said he had recommended that the United States begin reducing aid from January 2026, giving Zambia time to develop a new procurement strategy for essential drugs and explore partnerships with other international donors.
“This transition period is critical,” Gonzales emphasized. “Our priority remains the health of the Zambian people. We are not abandoning them—we are demanding that their leaders take responsibility.”
He also noted that the decision is separate from broader U.S. foreign aid reforms initiated under President Donald Trump’s administration. While those reforms involve reviewing and re-prioritizing global aid allocations, the Zambia decision is specifically tied to corruption in the medical supply chain.
Calls for Reform and Transparency
In the wake of the announcement, human rights advocates and donor agencies are calling for sweeping reforms in Zambia’s health ministry and supply chain management systems. There are demands for stronger oversight mechanisms, digital tracking of medicine inventories, and harsh penalties for those found guilty of misappropriating aid.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us,” said Dr. James Banda, a Lusaka-based public health consultant. “International donors want to help, but they must be assured that their assistance is being used for its intended purpose. Zambia has a duty to rebuild that trust.”
As the country faces an uncertain health funding future, the spotlight now turns to Lusaka’s leadership to take swift, transparent action—and to reassure both its citizens and global partners that such abuses will not be tolerated.
