Zambia has expressed reservations about certain aspects of a proposed health financing agreement exceeding $1 billion with the United States, stating that some provisions are not in line with its national interests.

The five-year deal would allocate over $1 billion in US funding to support programs aimed at combating HIV, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease outbreak preparedness. According to a draft of the agreement, it also mandates that the Zambian government contributes approximately $340 million in co-financing during the same period.

The pact was anticipated to be signed in November but was postponed due to the introduction of a contentious clause in revised drafts, as stated by a spokesperson from the ministry of health on Wednesday.

"The section in question did not align with the position and interests of the government of Zambia," the spokesperson said, adding that Lusaka has requested further revisions. Officials did not disclose details of the disputed provision.

Health advocates have expressed worries that certain aspects of the agreement might link funding to mining access and create potential risks related to data sharing.

Zambia stated that the agreement was centered on health.

"It has no relation whatsoever to minerals, mining, or any natural resources," the health ministry spokesperson added, saying they remained open to constructive engagement, "but only within terms that are clear, mutually agreed upon, and fully aligned with Zambia's national interests."