- United States–Zambia relations
The diplomatic relationship between the
United States of America andZambia can be characterized as warm and cooperative. The United States works closely with the Zambian Government to defeat theHIV/AIDS pandemic that is ravaging Zambia, to promoteeconomic growth and development, and to effect political reform needed to promote responsive and responsible government. The United States is also supporting the government's efforts to root out corruption. Zambia is a beneficiary of theAfrican Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The U.S. Government provides a variety of technical assistance and other support that is managed by theDepartment of State ,U.S. Agency for International Development ,Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Threshold Program,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Department of Treasury, Department of Defense, andPeace Corps . The majority of U.S. assistance is provided through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in support of the fight against HIV/AIDS.In addition to supporting development projects, the United States has provided considerable emergency food aid during periods of drought and flooding through the
World Food Program (WFP) and is a major contributor to refugee programs in Zambia through theUN High Commission for Refugees and other agencies.U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
In 2007, U.S. assistance to Zambia exceeded $259 million. USAID's program in Zambia included over $116 million for HIV/AIDS programs utilizing PEPFAR funding and $11 million to fight corruption and increase trade under the MCA Threshold Program. In addition to programs funded through
PEPFAR , the President's Malaria Initiative, and theMillennium Challenge Account Threshold Program, USAID's program in Zambia supported training and technical assistance to promote economic growth through trade and investment; create health and educational opportunities to improve lives; and reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS through multi-sectoral responses.Peace Corps
A country agreement inviting the
Peace Corps to work in Zambia was signed by the United States and Zambia on September 14,1993 . The first group of volunteers was sworn in on April 7,1994 . In2007 , the Peace Corps program in Zambia continued to increase understanding between Zambians and Americans. More than 160 two-year Volunteers and as many as 10 extension and Crisis Corps Volunteers promote sustainable development through their activities in agricultural and natural resource management, health and sanitation, rural education, and humanitarian assistance. Volunteers are working in eight of Zambia's nine provinces building local capacity to manage familyfish farms , to promote food security and positive resource management practices near forest reserves, to implement health reforms at the village level, to promote and support rural education, and to extend HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts through full participation inPEPFAR . Volunteers live primarily in rural villages in remote parts of the country without running water,electricity , or other amenities. New trainees undertake training in local language, culture, and the relevant technical specialty for 9-12 weeks at a center in the Chongwe district ofLusaka Province .Principal U.S. Officials
*
Ambassador --Carmen Martinez
* Deputy Chief of Mission--Michael Koplovsky
* Public Affairs Officer--Christopher Wurst
* Political/Economic Section Chief--Jill Derderian
* Consular Officer--Malia Heroux
* Defense Attaché--Lt. Col. David Dougherty
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention --vacant
* USAID Mission Director--Melissa Williams
*Peace Corps Director--Cynthia ThrelkeldDiplomatic missions
The U.S. Embassy in Zambia is in
Lusaka .References
* [http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/06/africa/web0406-zambia.php International Herald Tribune: "For the hungry in Zambia, U.S. law may hinder urgent food aid"]
*StateDept
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