Zambia Secures $3.6bn US Health Deal Without Patient Data-Sharing Clause
Zambia is set to sign a revised five-year health agreement with the United States worth $3.6 billion, after the two countries agreed to remove provisions that would have required Zambia to share patients’ health data and biological specimens with the US government.
Zambian Health Minister Roma Chilengi said the combined funding from both countries would support the country’s health sector over the five-year period. While he did not disclose the full US contribution, he previously said Washington would provide $1.5 billion under the agreement, with Zambia expected to contribute the remainder.
The revised deal comes amid broader efforts by the US to establish new bilateral health agreements with African countries following major changes to its international aid policy under President Donald Trump. About two dozen African nations have entered similar arrangements, although some governments have raised concerns over provisions requiring access to patient information.
Under the new framework, African countries are expected to gradually increase domestic funding for healthcare as US assistance is reduced over time. Zambia’s decision to proceed without the disputed data-sharing requirement highlights the growing debate over how African governments can secure international health support while retaining control over sensitive medical information and national health systems.
