By Munacho Gwamanda- The Trump administration has sent a blunt message to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, urging it to take full responsibility for Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, including procuring antiretroviral therapy (ART) and ensuring clinics are adequately staffed.
For decades, Zimbabwe has relied heavily on international donors, particularly the United States, to fund its HIV/AIDS response.
Since independence in 1980, the U.S. has provided over $5 billion in humanitarian and development assistance, with more than $1 billion disbursed in the past three years alone.
Much of this aid has come through initiatives like the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which have been instrumental in Zimbabwe achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets—ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
However, corruption and mismanagement have plagued Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector.
Millions of dollars intended for HIV treatment and public health programs have been lost to graft. High-profile scandals—such as the COVID-19 procurement scandal in 2020, where Health Minister Obadiah Moyo was dismissed over corruption allegations—have fueled donor skepticism.
Reports have also linked politically connected elites to the looting of funds meant for essential drugs, leading to widespread shortages in hospitals and clinics.
Now, the Trump administration is shifting its stance on foreign aid.
In line with President Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign Aid, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has paused all foreign assistance funded by the State Department and USAID pending a review.
A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe confirmed the policy shift:
“It is time for Zimbabwe to take seriously its responsibility for the health of its people. For HIV, Zimbabwe has hit the 95-95-95 targets. They urgently need to be focused on buying ART and getting nurses in clinics. They can do this.”