Zimbabwe’s health, education, and other key sectors are set to experience major disruptions following the suspension of 83% of USAID-funded programs.
The move comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the cancellation of 5,200 contracts, citing concerns over the expenditure of American taxpayer funds.
Rubio, speaking on Monday, revealed that the U.S. government had reviewed USAID’s operations and determined that billions of dollars were being spent in ways that did not align with the country’s national interests.
“Following a six-week review, we are officially shutting down 83% of USAID’s programs. These 5,200 contracts, which were consuming tens of billions of dollars, did not serve – and in some cases even harmed – the United States’ core interests,” he stated.
The remaining 18% of USAID programs, roughly 1,000 in total, will now be placed under the direct administration of the State Department to ensure more efficient management.
USAID has played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s health sector, funding various initiatives such as salary support for nurses, technological advancements, and the construction of healthcare facilities in rural areas. The abrupt withdrawal of funding raises concerns over the future of these services.
While Zimbabwe’s government has reassured citizens that alternative plans are in place, the country has historically struggled to independently finance public health and education.
South Africa is also feeling the impact, as some clinics that previously provided free antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) have been forced to shut down. The situation has been further exacerbated by the withdrawal of UKAID and other European humanitarian organizations, leaving many African nations in a precarious position.
The suspension of USAID programs comes just weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign aid policy. With aid agencies pulling out, the future of key humanitarian services in Zimbabwe and across Africa remains uncertain.
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