Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
THE Government has said its decision to halt negotiations with the United States over a proposed health funding agreement was guided by national interest and the need to safeguard sovereignty.
Talks between Harare and Washington had been expected to culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding under the America First Global Health Strategy.
However, both sides have confirmed that the negotiations have stalled.
Speaking in Harare on Wednesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said the government opted out of the process after determining that the proposed terms were not fair to Zimbabweans.
He said President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa had directed that the negotiations be suspended when it became clear that the draft MoU was not mutually beneficial. Any agreement of that nature, he added, must ensure equitable benefits for both countries and uphold Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.
The minister pointed to concerns over provisions relating to the use of data and biological samples, indicating that products potentially developed from such materials would not directly benefit Zimbabwean citizens.
In light of those reservations, the government considered it prudent not to proceed with the agreement.
While acknowledging support previously received from the United States, particularly in the fight against HIV and Aids and related illnesses, Minister Soda said future engagements must be anchored on mutual respect and shared benefit.
“Going forward, we still welcome further engagements with the Government of the United States of America, but that must be based on mutual interests, especially where MoUs will be established between the two states. You may also be aware that previously, most engagements were done through the World Health Organisation, which is a multilateral system. We are not the only country that has seen discussions stalling; we have many other countries, especially in Africa, that have not concluded similar discussions and MOUs. So this is our position as the Government of Zimbabwe that there are certain things which we felt were not in the interests of the public,” he said.
The government maintains that its position is firmly rooted in protecting state sovereignty and advancing the best interests of the Zimbabwean public.
