health
February 27, 2026
Zimbabwe backs out of ‘lopsided’ US health deal
Zimbabwe’s government has backed out of a five-year health deal with the US, citing unequal exchange of biological data
TL;DR
- Zimbabwe rejected a proposed $367 million US health funding agreement due to perceived unequal terms.
- The government cited a lack of mutual respect, transparency, and reciprocal benefit in the proposed deal.
- Zimbabwe was concerned about sharing biological resources and data without guarantees of access to medical innovations.
- The US expressed regret over Zimbabwe's decision and stated it would wind down its health assistance programs in the country.
- Similar concerns about US health agreements undermining sovereignty through expansive data access have been raised by civil society groups in Africa.
- Kenya had previously suspended a large health cooperation deal with the US over concerns about unlawful access to sensitive medical information.
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