U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote has encouraged government and the communities to continue to work to create the right conditions to attract additional investors in the mine sector.
Mr. Foot says stakeholders ought to work together in order to expand the mining sector and to ensure that people who have already invested heavily in Zambia can continue to do business successfully.
In his media statement to mark the end of the year, the US Envoy to Zambia says given the importance of copper to Zambia’s economy he has recognized the need for all stakeholders to work together
And Mr. Foote says the US Government has invested nearly US$20 million to protect over one million hectares of Zambia’s forest and wildlife habitat.
Mr. Foote adds that the US Government has budgeted over US$10 million in annual funding for continued environmental programming, which includes conservation and anti-wildlife trafficking.
“Following unforgettable visits to Kalambo Falls, Victoria Falls, and seven of Zambia’s national parks, I still feel strongly that Zambia’s wildlife and environment are her most precious gifts. They deserve greater appreciation from the public and protection from criminals looking to exploit Zambia’s natural heritage,” he said.
Mr. Foote says the United States remains Zambia’s largest bilateral assistance partner.
He says most of this assistance has been in the health sector, with more than US$3.5 billion contributed towards the fight against HIV/AIDS in the past 15 years.
“Together with the Zambian government, we have saved over 1 million lives through the provision of free HIV treatment. All around the country, I have met mothers living with HIV who have given birth to HIV-negative children, and men and women who tested positive for HIV years ago now living long, healthy, and productive lives,” said Mr. Foote.
“That is a sign that we can beat this disease and that Zambia can achieve HIV epidemic control by 2020, ensuring that over one million of the nearly 1.3 million people living with HIV in Zambia are consistently on life-saving drugs. I believe Zambia can reach this goal, but it depends on all of us.”
He says US Government’s assistance to Zambia’s health sector also includes Ebola preparedness, fighting malaria, and protecting maternal and child health.
Mr. Foote states that so far, the U.S. government has supported training of over 350 frontline healthcare workers on how to identify and respond to cases of Ebola.
“In addition, the U.S. government has continued to support the Zambia National Public Health Institute by providing over US$2 million this year to build capacity to detect, respond, and mitigate public health threats. Malaria is the number one cause of hospitalization in Zambia and a major cause of mortality, particularly for pregnant women and young children. The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative has invested $30 million, working hand-in-hand with the National Malaria Elimination Center to reduce the burden of malaria on Zambians throughout the country, particularly in the most problematic areas,” he said.
He recalls that in November, Zambia and the United States concluded a five-year, $355 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact that will benefit 1.2 million Lusaka residents for many years to come.
“Lusakans can now worry less about water-related diseases, losing valuable time to collect water, and flood damage. Although the U.S.-supported portion of the project is complete, I commend the Zambian government for considering the long-term view through its $38 million commitment to finish work on the project. By improving water supply, sanitation, and drainage infrastructure, we have taken steps to reduce poverty and boost economic growth in Zambia,” he said.

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