Zambia is currently embroiled in a significant national debate surrounding a proposed health funding compact, reportedly valued at over US$1 billion, with the United States. Recent reports suggest the Zambian Government has raised objections to certain aspects of this agreement, triggering widespread calls for transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of national sovereignty and public health interests.

Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF), President of Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP), expressed profound concern over the government's reported pushback, emphasizing that public health is a national, non-partisan priority. ZMP has urgently called upon the government to provide immediate clarification on several critical points: specifically, which clauses were deemed inconsistent with Zambia’s national interest, whether a formal counter-proposal has been submitted and its key provisions, what safeguards are in place to ensure continued access to life-saving treatment and public health services, and if the revised agreement will be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny and public disclosure. ZMP maintains that national sovereignty must be protected, strategic partnerships must serve Zambia’s long-term interests, and public health programs must not be disrupted by political or diplomatic delays, stressing that transparency fosters trust while secrecy breeds speculation.

Adding to these calls, Dr. Paul Chibwe, President of the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ), advocated for a broader Pan-African health sovereignty. He urged African nations to independently design, finance, and control their health systems, cautioning against surrendering autonomy in pursuit of external support. Dr. Chibwe welcomed the government’s reported decision to reject a US health funding package, which he claimed was tied to access to sensitive data belonging to Zambian citizens. He emphasized that true international cooperation should be founded on mutual respect, transparency, and non-interference, rather than conditionality. RDAZ affirmed that any arrangement jeopardizing citizens’ sensitive health information undermines trust in the healthcare system and violates fundamental medical ethics, stressing the sacred obligation of patient confidentiality for medical professionals. The association further urged the country to prioritize local resource mobilization, invest in sustainable public health financing, and reduce dependency on conditional external support that may conflict with national interests.

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and legal practitioners, including the Alliance for Community Action, Chapter One Foundation, LCK Chambers, and Transparency International-Zambia (TI-Z), voiced deep disappointment over the Zambian Government's continued failure to disclose the contents of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a related Bilateral Compact Agreement with the United States concerning health aid. Linda Kasonde, Executive Director of LCK Freedom Foundation, speaking on behalf of the coalition, described the government's silence as deeply troubling. Of particular concern are reports suggesting that access to health support might be linked to the exploitation of Zambia’s critical mineral resources. Ms. Kasonde unequivocally stated that health aid should never be conditioned on arrangements that compromise Zambia’s strategic mineral assets, or the rights and dignity of its citizens. She highlighted the significant constitutional, economic, and governance concerns raised by such potential links, demanding transparency, public accountability, and parliamentary oversight. The coalition reiterated its call for the immediate publication of the full texts of both agreements and urged the government to address the nation openly and transparently on these critical matters.

In response to the escalating concerns and media reports, Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, who is also acting Health Minister, clarified that engagements with the United States on the multi-million-dollar health funding agreement are ongoing, contrary to earlier media reports of a withdrawal. Speaking during a media briefing, Mr. Mweetwa assured the public that information relating to the negotiations would be disclosed at the appropriate time. He affirmed that relations with the United States government remain cordial and have not been strained. Mr. Mweetwa also issued a warning to political critics against spreading false information on such sensitive matters, urging patriotism and sober politics.

The collective stance from various Zambian stakeholders underscores a unanimous call for unwavering commitment to national interest, sovereignty, transparency, and accountability in all international agreements, particularly those concerning the health and future of its citizens. While international partnerships are valued, they must not compromise Zambia's independence or the privacy and well-being of its people.