Government Urged to Evaluate Impact of USA’s Aid Withdrawal On Health Sector
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 29 January 2025
By Respite Kaoma
Social Anthropologist and Mine Expert James Musonda has cautioned that Zambia’s reliance on US aid is unsustainable and undermines the country’s economic development.
Dr. Musonda observed that, Zambia’s rich mineral resources, including copper, lithium, and nickel, make it critical to the global economy.
Dr. Musonda, however, stated that, the country’s failure to develop its resources and reduce reliance on foreign aid is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
He emphasized that US aid to Zambia is not a sustainable solution, as it creates dependency and undermines domestic economic development.
He highlighted that while aid may provide temporary relief, it ultimately serves to sustain the US pharmaceutical industry.
And Mufulira aspiring Member of Parliament Chris Tchakanga has called on the Ministry of Health (MOH) to act fast before it is too late following the withdrawal of the USA from the World Health Organization (WHO).
And Tchakanga has described the withdrawal of the USA from WHO as a sad development especially to Zambia and other least developed countries.
Tchakanga says the move will have negative repercussions particularly on the already struggling health sector in the country considering that Zambia has projects that depend on WHO funding including initiatives like PEPFAR, adding that the impact will be felt deeply.
The aspiring parliamentarian says the potential disruption to ARV, Antimalarial drug, TB drugs and other essential health programs is alarming.
