HH, UPND should engage US in honest dialogue
IT IS important for President Hakainde Hichilema and his New Dawn government to engage in open and transparent dialogue with the United States (US) government over the withdrawal of US$50 million in annual medical aid to Zambia, which will come into effect in January next year. It is important to rebuild the trust that has been lost due to the New Dawn’s failure to curb the systemic and systematic theft of medicines and medical supplies.
Given Zambia’s ongoing struggles with poverty and inadequate healthcare facilities, particularly in rural regions, the US government’s medical assistance to Zambia is vital. The US$150 million that Zambia receives each year has undoubtedly had a major impact on social well-being, economic growth and public health over the years.
Zambians, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have been able to receive vital services, improve their health, lessen the burden of disease and contribute to overall development efforts thanks to the medical aid provided by the US government.
Through medical aid from the US government and other cooperating partners, Zambia has achieved notable progress in lowering the number of new HIV infections, preventing HIV transmission from mother to child and reducing incidences of malaria and tuberculosis.
We are getting increasingly worried that the US government’s decision to cut US$50 million in annual medical aid to Zambia could undo the progress the nation has made in this area over the years.
It is for this reason we back calls by Caritas Zambia that Hichilema and his New Dawn government should engage in open and transparent dialogue with the US government on revelations of medical drugs and supplies in the Ministry of Health.
Caritas Zambia is disappointed that the Zambian government had to wait for the US Embassy to expose the scandal yet it had been aware of the thefts since 2021.
Caritas Zambia executive director Fr Gabriel Mapulanga said in a statement there was an urgent need for dialogue between the two governments aimed at resolving the aid cut.
“The government should engage in open and transparent dialogue with the US government and other donors to rebuild trust and explore alternative solutions that address their concerns without jeopardising the health of Zambians.
“We understand that this decision [to cut aid] stems from credible reports of theft and the illegal sale of donated medicines within our healthcare system. While we unequivocally condemn any form of corruption and the criminal actions of individuals who pilfer resources meant for the sick and vulnerable, we must also voice our profound worry about the devastating impact this aid cut will have on the lives of countless Zambians who rely on these vital medications,” Fr Mapulanga said.
We believe Zambia’s efforts to sustain support for the health sector for the benefit of majority poor Zambians are being hampered by the arrogance of certain Cabinet ministers towards US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales, who is merely representing the interests of his government and American taxpayers.
That is the reason he was posted to Zambia.
Instead of delegating his ministries and lower-level officials to make damage control remarks, including racist taunts directed at Ambassador Gonzales who made the announcement of the assistance suspension, Hichilema should grab the proverbial “bull by its horns” and interact directly with the donors and regain their trust.
By doing this, Hichilema and his government will guarantee that everyone has access to equitable healthcare, especially for marginalised population who frequently do not have access to high-quality care.
Reducing medical aid to Zambia will have catastrophic effects since many HIV-positive individuals will stop taking their antiretroviral therapy (ART), making them drug resistant and preventing them from receiving treatments for common illnesses like tuberculosis and malaria. Hichilema and his associates need to wake up and smell the coffee. Humble yourselves and do the right thing for the benefit of the Zambians who elected you into office.
Is that too much to ask?
