U.S. to Wind Down $367 Million Health Assistance After Zimbabwe Withdraws from MOU Talks

HARARE, Zimbabwe, February 24, 2026 — The Government of Zimbabwe has withdrawn from negotiations on a proposed bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States, a move that will result in the winding down of planned U.S. health assistance valued at $367 million over five years.

The proposed agreement would have supported Zimbabwe’s priority health programmes, including HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease outbreak preparedness. The funding was structured to be delivered over a five-year period.

U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont said the decision would affect ongoing collaboration. “We believe this collaboration would have delivered extraordinary benefits for Zimbabwean communities — especially the 1.2 million men, women, and children currently receiving HIV treatment through U.S.-supported programs,” she said. “We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe.”

According to the United States, the proposed MOU represented the largest potential health investment in Zimbabwe by any international funder. The agreement was based on a co-funding model aimed at promoting sustainability and helping Zimbabwe move toward greater self-reliance in financing its health sector.

Under the arrangement, Zimbabwe would have gradually increased its own health funding alongside U.S. support. The United States noted that it has provided more than $1.9 billion in health support to Zimbabwe since 2006. That assistance, it said, contributed directly to Zimbabwe achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The United States also indicated that similar agreements have been signed with other countries on the continent. Sixteen African countries have so far entered into health collaboration MOUs with the United States, representing more than $18.3 billion in new health funding. This total includes over $11.2 billion in U.S. assistance and $7.1 billion in co-investment from recipient countries.

Ambassador Tremont said the agreements are guided by principles of accountability and shared responsibility. “The United States has a responsibility to American taxpayers to invest their resources where mutual accountability, transparency, and shared commitment are assured,” she said.

She added that the MOUs are designed to promote sustainability and measurable outcomes. “These MOUs set a higher standard for bilateral health cooperation — one that prioritizes sustainability, measurable outcomes, and shared ownership of results. The Government of Zimbabwe has assured us it is prepared to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS, and we wish them well,” she said.

The withdrawal from negotiations marks a shift in the planned health partnership between the two governments, with the United States confirming it will now begin the process of ending its health assistance under the proposed framework.