Harare– The United States Embassy in Zimbabwe has announced a temporary pause on all US. Foreign assistance funded by the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
The decision, effective immediately is part of a broader review initiated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure that foreign aid aligns with the US foreign policy agenda under the “America First” framework, as outlined in President Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid.
In a statement released today, the embassy emphasized that the pause applies to all programs and grants that do not have a waiver approved by the Secretary of State. The review aims to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of foreign assistance programs, ensuring they serve the parent country’s strategic interest while promoting unaccountably and self-reliance among recipient nations.
The statement also highlighted Zimbabwe’s recent achievements in combating HIV, noting that the country has met the ambitious 95/95/95 targets set by UNAIDS. These targets aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95%of those diagnosed are on Antiretroviral treatment (ART), and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression
The US Embassy urged the Zimbabwean government to take greater responsibility for the health of its citizens
” It is time for Zimbabwe to take seriously its responsibility for the health of its people”
“the urgent need to focus on buying ART and getting nurses into clinics. They can do this” read the statement
The halt in foreign assistance comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe, which has historically relied on international aid to support its healthcare system and other development initiative. The US has been a major donor, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, through initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Since 1980 the U.S government has provided more than $5 billion in humanitarian and development assistance to the Zimbabwean People.
The current US administration emphasizes reevaluating foreign aid reflecting a broader shift toward encouraging self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on external support.
