USAID stands with Zambia during severe drought

WASHINGTON D.C, Monday, 26th August 2024 - The U.S. Agency for International Development says it stands with Zambia during this period when the country has been hit with a severe drought.

USAID Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Africa, Dr. Monde Muyangwa, however, said Zambia has what it takes to be the breadbasket of the Southern African region.

Dr. Muyangwa said this during the 3rd Annual Gala Dinner hosted by the Association of Zambians in DC, Maryland and Virginia at the Marriot Washingtonian Center in DC, USA.

"We all know that there is a devastating drought in Zambia and southern African right now. As at May, 30 million people in Southern Africa are facing severe food insecurity because of the drought. We went up to Zambia to announce the 67 million United States Dollars from the US government through USAID to help with humanitarian assistant but also not just immediate humanitarian needs but to invest in the Zambia Agriculture sector for long term food security. We believe that if we invest in the Zambia agriculture sector, Zambia can be not only the breadbasket to the region but can export to the continent and the rest of the world," said Dr. Muyangwa.

She said there is absolutely no reason why Zambia should be importing food.

She said the USAID would stand with Zambia in good and bad times.

In terms of fighting Malaria, Dr. Muyangwa said USAID has invested a lot in the four provinces of Zambia through the US President Malaria Initiative PMI.

"The US President Malaria Initiative PMI, we provide major support towards Zambia's National Malaria fight, complimenting what the government is investing in the fight against malaria. Since 2008 PMI has contributed United States Dollars 460 million to the fight against malaria. I'm proud to say that in the four provinces’ where USAID works, malaria fail by 78% from 2012 to 2022, that is in Luapula, Northern, Muchinga and Eastern, but know that Malaria levels are high, particularly in the northern part of the country and more work needs to be done."

"We are also working with the Zambian government to help build capacity for increased domestic resources mobilization which makes a differences in people's lives across the country. We are working with the Zambian government to address corruption and strengthen rural entrepreneurship," she said.

Dr. Muyangwa revealed that Zambia is about to reach the epidemic control levels of 95-95-95.

The United Nations has set ambitious target to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic called the 95-95-95 targets, these goals would ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of people who know their status are receiving treatment, and 95% of people on HIV treatment have a suppressed viral load by 2030.

"Zambia, thanks to the USAID efforts is about to hit the epidemic control levels of 95-95-95. We still supporting 1.5 million Zambians with ARV's, so the work still remains," she said.

Dr. Muyangwa commended President Hakainde Hichilema for reintroducing free education.

"Let me commend the Zambian Government for making education access free. Investing in education has served the country well. The power of education can never be over emphasized. I was really proud to hear President Hakainde Hichilema keep emphasizing the need for free education. Fundamentally, access to education is a human right," she said.

Dr. Muyangwa also said as Zambia celebrates its 60th Independence anniversary, the peace that has prevailed should never be taken for granted.

"Don’t ever lose the spirit of inclusiveness. The spirit of One Zambia, One Nation should never be taken for granted. Hold on to that spirit. We should be proud that Zambia has not known conflict, so don't take that for granted," said Dr. Muyangwa.

And Association of Zambians in DC, Maryland and Virginia president Clement Mutambo said the diaspora remains committed to the values of supporting Zambia.

Zambia's Ambassador to the USA Chibamba Kanyama and Deputy Chief of Mission Ms Regina Boma-Phiri were also in attendance.

Issued by:

Charles Tembo
First Secretary Press & Public Relations
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
[email protected]