GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE PRAGMATIC STEPS AS A MATTER OF URGENCY
I have just concluded watching the press briefing by United States Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Michael C. Gonzales, in which he announced a significant cut in aid directed toward medications and medical supplies in Zambia. This decision follows the Government’s perceived failure to adequately address the systematic theft of medical commodities across the country.
As Member of Parliament for Kanchibiya, I wish to offer my counsel to the Government of the Republic of Zambia on how best to respond decisively, transparently, and constructively. This is not the time for defensiveness or delay. It is time to act in the best interest of our people and our development partners.
The following are pragmatic and urgent steps Government must take:
1. Public Acknowledgment and High-Level Commitment
Government must publicly acknowledge the concerns raised and reaffirm Zambia’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring transparency in the management of donor support. A clear outline of immediate actions being undertaken should be communicated to both citizens and cooperating partners.
2. Launch an Independent Forensic Audit
An independent, credible forensic audit must be commissioned focusing on procurement, storage, and distribution systems within the Ministry of Health, particularly on U.S.-funded medical supplies. Civil society and international observers must be involved, and the findings should be made public with swift corrective actions taken.
3. Establish a Joint Anti-Theft Task Force
A task force comprising the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Zambia Police, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and U.S. Embassy liaisons should be established to investigate and prosecute those behind the thefts. Real-time updates must be shared to demonstrate transparency and seriousness.
4. Suspend and Prosecute Offenders
Officials under investigation must be immediately suspended. Those found culpable must face the full force of the law. Whistleblowers must be protected and incentivized. Convictions must be publicized to send a strong message.
5. Engage the U.S. Diplomatically
High-level engagement must take place to reaffirm the long-standing partnership between Zambia and the United States. Government should request the deployment of a technical team to support integrity systems and propose a phased restoration of aid tied to measurable milestones.
6. Reform the Ministry of Health
Systemic reforms are long overdue. The Ministry must undergo a restructuring exercise to root out entrenched corruption. Long-serving officers in sensitive departments should be reassigned or retired, and internal controls should be strengthened to restore trust and professionalism.
In conclusion, the Government must treat this development not as a diplomatic embarrassment but as an urgent opportunity to confront corruption head-on in the health sector. This moment calls for fast, firm, and transparent action. Only then can we rebuild trust, both with our people and with those who continue to believe in Zambia’s potential.
Signed,
Hon. Sunday Chilufya Chanda, MP
Member of Parliament – Kanchibiya Constituency
All the usual praise singers are zeeeeee.
I have been telling you for years that this government is corrupt to the core. And you have been insulting me for years defending your corrupt leaders. Mwaona manje.
So which corruption is your Hakainde fighting exactly? We thank God for the USA ambassador for exposing these thieves. Citizens have now been silenced with cyber laws. Even whistle blowers are being arrested and detained without bail so that the thieves in power can continue plundering.
Reject tribalism, corruption and oppression.
God bless Why Me and Captain Ibrahim Traore.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
Chanda is right,but first the government must know that US embassies around the world are under pressure to prove their worth-Some embassies are already earmarked for closure.So we must expect such pressures in the future.It is about drugs today to something else tomorrow
Secondary,the Ministry of Health is the most heavily funded sector of government with a lot of programs managed by highly educated people in Lusaka and provincial offices These people together with vested interest entities from outside have persistently managed to resist change.They can engineer the firing of a PS,even a minister;from the defunct Central Board of Health to being transferred to the Ministry of Community Development and now the resisting devolution to local government and the retention of NHIMA
The Presidential Delivery Unit was specifically established to identify loopholes by such cartels.It seems they are yet to get a grasp of what MoH truly is:There are more business men than there are health workers in MoH.There is a secret society in MoH
However,all is not lost. Most human health indicators have shown tremendous improvement across the board. what the embassy demands 100% for their money
Now this will be delicious soup for Nakachinda,Membe Kalaba etc for the next few days