United States to end health funding for Zimbabwe after data-sharing dispute

The United States will end funding for Zimbabwe's health programs at the end of September, following the collapse of negotiations over a bilateral health agreement. Zimbabwe rejected the U.S. proposal, citing concerns over sharing sensitive health data, including virus samples and epidemiological information. The U.S. Embassy in Harare confirmed the decision, with Ambassador Pamela Tremont announcing a shift in relations toward economic, trade, and investment opportunities. The withdrawal affects programs combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and health advocates warn of a public health catastrophe. Zimbabwe is among the first countries to face consequences under Washington's new approach to tie health aid to bilateral agreements.