Accept responsibility over drug thefts – NGOCC
By Tony Nkhoma
TAKE ownership of the drug theft, the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has urged the United Party for National Development (UPND) government.
NGOCC executive director Anne Mbewe-Anamela said the organisation was profoundly worried about government’s lukewarm response to the serious misconduct within the health sector.
“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,” Mbewe-Anamela said in a statement.
She expressed worry that government had not even informed the nation how it would bridge the critical funding gap.
Mbewe-Anamela said government should not relax but find a solution to the K1.4 billion United States (US) medical aid withdrawal to prevent devastating drug shortages and the potential loss of life.
“NGOCC urgently demands that the Zambian government 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,” she said.
Mbewe-Anamela government should address the known systemic weaknesses to prevent the ongoing thefts of essential medicines.
The potential ramifications of the aid withdrawal were deeply concerning, particularly for vulnerable Zambians.
Mbewe-Anamela said women would not only experience disruptions in their own essential treatment but also be further burdened by increased care giving responsibilities.
“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,” Mbewe-Anamela said.
Data from the Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment reveals a higher annual HIV prevalence among women (11.0 per cent) compared to men (8.0 per cent) for adults aged 15 and above.
