K1.4 BILLION US MEDICAL AID WITHDRAWAL WORRIES NGOCC
The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) notes the US Ambassador’s announcement of the suspension of approximately K1.4 billion in medical aid to Zambia, citing extensive theft of medicines and the Zambian government’s failure to effectively combat this situation.
NGOCC asserts that this development should not shock Zambians, given the persistent reports of theft within the Ministry of Health, and we express our profound worry over the government’s inadequate response to this serious misconduct.
We emphasize that while Zambia must strive for greater self-reliance and urgently needs to strengthen its internal resource generation, what is equally important is that the government must address the known systemic weaknesses to prevent the ongoing thefts of essential medicines.
The potential ramifications of this aid withdrawal are deeply concerning, particularly for vulnerable Zambians. Data from the Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment reveals a higher annual HIV prevalence among women (11.0%) compared to men (8.0%) for adults aged 15 and above.
Therefore, the suspension of US medical aid will foreseeably diminish the supply of vital HIV and TB drugs to vulnerable populations, with women facing a disproportionate impact as they represent the majority of both those living in poverty and those benefiting from health sector aid.
Women will not only experience disruptions in their own essential treatment but will also be further burdened by increased caregiving responsibilities. Therefore, NGOCC urgently demands that the Zambian government take ownership of this significant theft, demonstrate a tangible commitment to eradicating both past and present corruption, and, crucially, immediately inform the nation how they will bridge this critical funding gap to prevent devastating drug shortages and the potential loss of life.
ISSUED:
for/NGOCC
Anne Mbewe-Anamela
NGOCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
It’s surprising that these NGO’s are unaware of Trumps desire to cut aid internationally. This move did not come as a surprise just like the deportations. Trump start this program of withdrawing aid in January immediately after being sworn. It’s surprising some people are working up now and getting shocked. People should be aware and also not that Trump put 30% tariffs on Zambia on 2nd April. No one is talking about it now until when the companies doing business in Zambia try to export staff. We need genuine and informed NGO’s not the bandwagon continue singing the moment they here a rhythm from other characters.
People should stop wasting time on PF and the opposition with their so called K1.5M aid withdrawal. US was going to withdraw the aid even without workers stealing medicines. Stealing is unacceptable in any form and no one has denied that stealing of medicines has not happened. Government caught some culprits and some have already been charged and the government had instituted a forensic investigation even before the US Ambassador issued his press address. However, we reject the opposition’s position of jumping on the band wagon and scream the loundest about the stealing of medicines. We have one less evil at the moment than what was happening under the leadership of the opposition that is creaming loud. We had excessive stealing at it’s peak on top of over 3000 Ghost clinics and workers. No one from the crop screaming loud has ever taken responsibility of their mischief. They now stand and pretend to be clean so they can come and clean out the little that is being critically being built. In case you forgotten watch the video below.
https://youtu.be/9D-Hzp8EO1o?si=JzN0ceSNrhtOA2be