China pledges stronger health ties with Zambia after US aid cut

China has pledged to strengthen its cooperation with Zambia in the health sector, including the provision of traditional medicine, following the withdrawal of US$50 million in aid by the United States government.

Chinese Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Wang Sheng, said China remains committed to helping Zambia combat HIV and other diseases to ease the health burden and promote a healthier population.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata on Thursday, Sheng announced that China would donate 5,000 rapid HIV testing kits to Lusaka Province, with further assistance to follow based on Zambia’s expressed needs.

“The next phase of support will depend on Zambia’s willingness to receive help from China. The current donation will be delivered once all formalities and procedures are concluded,” Sheng said.

He added that a meeting between Lusaka Province and China’s Sichuan Province is scheduled to take place in Lusaka next week, followed by another meeting in Chengdu, China, next month focused on science and technology exchanges.

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“We attach great importance to the relationship between Sichuan Province and Lusaka Province, particularly for economic cooperation and cultural exchange,” he said.

In response, Lusaka Province Minister Mulyata expressed gratitude for China’s continued support and said Zambia was eager to deepen collaboration with China in areas of mutual interest.

“Working with China remains a top priority under President Hakainde Hichilema’s development agenda, as China is among Zambia’s largest partners in trade and investment,” Mulyata said.

She noted that the two countries enjoyed a long-standing relationship with positive collaboration in sectors including infrastructure, tourism, transport, energy, science, and technology.

Mulyata also indicated that Lusaka Province was accelerating efforts to adopt improved waste management systems and explore waste-to-energy solutions, taking lessons from China’s successful practices in the area.

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