US ends Zimbabwe health aid after bilateral talks fail

The U.S. is winding down health aid in Zimbabwe after Harare withdrew from negotiations on a proposed $367 million, five-year agreement; the U.S. ambassador said Zimbabwe has assured continued efforts against HIV/AIDS.

The United States is winding down its health aid programs in Zimbabwe after Harare withdrew from negotiations. Washington had proposed a five-year bilateral agreement worth $367 million to support HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, tuberculosis, malaria and disease outbreak preparedness. Zimbabwe's president directed officials to stop talks, saying the proposed memorandum of understanding would undermine sovereignty. The U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe said the government has assured the United States it is prepared to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS as the aid program is wound down. Key points: - The U.S. will wind down health assistance after Zimbabwe halted negotiations on the bilateral pact. - The proposed agreement would have provided $367 million over five years for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and outbreak preparedness. - Zimbabwe's government withdrew from talks, citing concerns the memorandum of understanding compromised national sovereignty. - The U.S. ambassador stated Zimbabwe has assured the United States it will continue efforts against HIV/AIDS. Summary: The decision ends planned U.S. support tied to the proposed five-year, $367 million partnership and will halt programs that were to be funded under that pact. Undetermined at this time.