The Zambian government has moved to reassure citizens that the recent 90-day pause on US foreign aid will not disrupt the country’s HIV treatment medication supply. According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, Zambia has a sufficient stockpile of life-saving medicines to last five months, with an additional 14 months’ worth of stock already ordered.
The US government’s decision to pause funding for international development programs, including those in Zambia, was announced on January 20, 2025. However, the Ministry of Health has confirmed that a waiver has been issued to exempt humanitarian support, including health-related initiatives.
“We will continue working with the American government to understand and define what the package under health includes,” said Dr. George Sinyangwe, Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination. “We have also been assured that medicines already ordered will not be affected.”
The Ministry of Health has urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing that every effort will be made to ensure uninterrupted HIV and TB-related services. The government has pledged to provide real-time updates on any new developments.