Zambia's foreign minister has issued a warning to diplomats regarding interference in domestic issues after the US ambassador publicly accused officials of stealing medical aid.
Zambia Responds to US Concerns Over Aid Misappropriation
Zambia Responds to US Concerns Over Aid Misappropriation
Zambian Foreign Minister Urges Diplomats to Adhere to Proper Channels Following US Aid Cuts
Zambia's Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe has cautioned foreign diplomats against addressing government matters through the press, following remarks by the US ambassador concerning the alleged "systematic theft" of healthcare aid. Haimbe's comments come in response to US Ambassador Michael Gonzales, who recently announced a $50 million reduction in health aid due to rampant pilfering of essential medications intended for Zambian citizens. This announcement was made after Gonzales conducted over 30 unsuccessful meetings with Zambian officials to address the issue privately.
According to Haimbe, publicly addressing the government undermines diplomatic norms and mutual respect. The embassy had provided evidence of the alleged theft to Zambian authorities as early as April last year, but received no follow-up action. Meanwhile, Zambian Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu confirmed a forensic audit has been completed, leading to approximately 75 arrests and raids on over 400 health facilities nationwide.
He claimed that "there will be no sacred cows" in the fight against corruption, echoing government reassurances that an advanced digital stock tracking system is now in place to prevent future thefts. The Health Minister, Elijah Muchima, acknowledged that the problem has persisted since before the current administration took office in 2021, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding drug supply management.
The recent cuts in US aid, which will affect critical drugs for malaria, HIV, and TB, is separate from a foreign assistance freeze enacted under former President Donald Trump. Despite these challenges, Muchima assured citizens that sufficient stocks of medication are available to avoid shortages. As the US corresponds to nearly a third of Zambia’s public health expenditure, this situation presents significant implications for the country’s health system moving forward.
According to Haimbe, publicly addressing the government undermines diplomatic norms and mutual respect. The embassy had provided evidence of the alleged theft to Zambian authorities as early as April last year, but received no follow-up action. Meanwhile, Zambian Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu confirmed a forensic audit has been completed, leading to approximately 75 arrests and raids on over 400 health facilities nationwide.
He claimed that "there will be no sacred cows" in the fight against corruption, echoing government reassurances that an advanced digital stock tracking system is now in place to prevent future thefts. The Health Minister, Elijah Muchima, acknowledged that the problem has persisted since before the current administration took office in 2021, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding drug supply management.
The recent cuts in US aid, which will affect critical drugs for malaria, HIV, and TB, is separate from a foreign assistance freeze enacted under former President Donald Trump. Despite these challenges, Muchima assured citizens that sufficient stocks of medication are available to avoid shortages. As the US corresponds to nearly a third of Zambia’s public health expenditure, this situation presents significant implications for the country’s health system moving forward.
