BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE Centre for Reproductive Health and Education (CRHE) has urged the government to take decisive action on four critical fronts, including the public release of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) audit report.
This comes in the wake of the United States government’s decision to withdraw US$50 million in annual health assistance to Zambia.
CRHE Executive Director Amos Mwale said the organisation is demanding the immediate publication of the forensic audit findings conducted at ZAMMSA after a stockpile of medical supplies was discovered in a private warehouse in Lusaka’s Matero Township.
“Transparency in this matter is vital for restoring public trust and ensuring accountability. The Zambian people, as well as international partners, deserve to know how public health resources are being managed. Any further delays will only deepen mistrust in the health system,” Mr Mwale said.
He also called on the government to urgently address systemic corruption and mismanagement within the health sector, stressing that these issues have far-reaching consequences for public health and donor confidence.
CRHE also appealed for transparent and impartial investigations and prosecutions of senior officials implicated in the theft and mismanagement of health commodities. Mr Mwale noted that holding only lower-level staff accountable would be inadequate, and urged the government to strengthen the integrity of the medical supply chain and improve coordination with development partners.
“To prevent the future loss of essential health resources, the government must prioritise the establishment of robust, transparent supply chain systems while enhancing cooperation with key stakeholders,” he said.
Mr Mwale underscored the urgent need to rebuild public trust through concrete anti-corruption measures. He urged President Hakainde Hichilema to demonstrate strong leadership by initiating comprehensive reforms aimed at safeguarding public resources, ensuring equitable access to medicines, and upholding accountability in the health sector.
“The health and lives of Zambians hang in the balance. This crisis must not be met with silence or superficial responses. We call upon the President and his government to take swift, visible, and meaningful action to restore public confidence and protect the integrity of our national health systems,” Mr Mwale added.
He warned that the withdrawal of U.S. health aid poses serious risks to Zambia’s ongoing efforts to control diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis.
