The government of Zimbabwe has terminated negotiations over a proposed 350 million dollar health financing agreement offered by the United States, arguing that the conditions attached to the deal were inconsistent with national interests and could undermine the country’s sovereignty.

The discussions, which had been ongoing for several months, were part of a broader framework of bilateral health cooperation between Harare and Washington. The proposed funding was expected to support Zimbabwe’s public health sector, including programmes targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, as well as broader health system strengthening initiatives.

According to official statements from Harare, the draft agreement included provisions that raised concerns among Zimbabwean authorities. These reportedly involved requests for extended access to sensitive national health data and certain biological or strategic resources. Government officials argued that such conditions went beyond standard development assistance practices and could compromise control over national datasets and public health governance.

In late December 2025, President Emmerson Mnangagwa instructed relevant ministries to halt negotiations, describing the proposed terms as unbalanced and potentially detrimental to Zimbabwe’s independence. Authorities emphasized that while the country remains open to international partnerships, such cooperation must respect its legal framework, data protection standards, and sovereign decision-making.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana reiterated that Zimbabwe welcomes external support in principle but will not accept arrangements perceived as infringing on national autonomy.

The U.S. Embassy in Harare has not publicly detailed the specific clauses under dispute but indicated that U.S.-supported health programmes in the country have played a significant role in expanding access to HIV treatment, prevention services, and disease response mechanisms. It remains unclear how the suspension of negotiations will affect ongoing or future health assistance initiatives.

Public health analysts note that Zimbabwe’s healthcare system has long relied on a mix of domestic funding and international aid. While the government’s decision reflects a broader emphasis on sovereignty in foreign partnerships, experts caution that reduced external financing could pose challenges for sustaining critical health programmes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Further developments are expected as both governments reassess their cooperation framework.