US cuts aid to Zambia over 'systematic' medicine theftUS ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales says the decision is "difficult" but necessaryThe Zambian government said it had taken measures to tackle the issue. The US has announced that it is cutting $50m (£37m) in aid to Zambia's health sector, due to the country's failure to address the "systematic theft" of donated drugs and medical supplies. More than 2,000 pharmacies across Zambia were found selling donated drugs and medical supplies in a year-long investigation conducted by the US embassy. The aid cuts will take effect January next year to give the Zambian government time to develop alternative arrangements but he said "the decision had been made". The aid cuts have affected health programmes across Africa, including shipments of critical medical supplies, including HIV drugs.