00:00The United States has sharply criticized Zambia after a deadline passed without the signing of a major new health aid
00:06deal worth more than $1 billion.
00:10Outgoing U.S. Ambassador Michael Gonzalez said the repeated efforts by Washington to secure Zambia's commitment went unanswered,
00:18forcing American support to continue on an ad hoc basis rather than through a structured long-term plan.
00:24According to Gonzalez, the unsigned Memorandum of Understanding was meant to guide findings for the key health programs,
00:31including HIV treatment, malaria response, maternal and child health, and disease prevention.
00:39In response, Zambian President Spokesperson Kleson Hamasaka said the government values U.S. support
00:45and remain open to discussions but stress that any concerns should be handled through formal diplomatic channels.
00:53The dispute comes amid growing concern inside Zambia.
00:56Some health campaigners have warned that the proposed deal could link aid funding to access to critical minerals
01:02and raise questions over data sharing.
01:05The U.S. Ambassador denied such allegations.
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