SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE
Hichilema, UPND must dialogue with US on theft of drugs – Caritas
- Caritas Zambia says government should engage in open and transparent dialogue with the US government to rebuild trust
- It has called for the punishment of the individuals behind the thefts.
By George Zulu
PRESSURE is mounting on President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration to dialogue with the United States (US) government over the revelations of massive theft of medical drugs and supplies in the Ministry of Health.
The failure by the UPND administration to stop the thefts despite countless reminders, including 33 meetings, has forced the US government to block annual aid to the health sector amounting to K1.4 billion (US$50 million) for next year.
Hichilema has generally remained mute on the massive scandal except a by-the-way remark that the aid cut “is a wake-up call to Zambia”.
He has instead been assigning his ministers and junior functionaries to issue damage control statements, including racist attacks on US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales who announced the aid suspension.
But Caritas Zambia has joined the long list of stakeholders urging the Zambian government to swallow its pride and engage in honest dialogue with the US Embassy on how to end thefts and abuse of donor funds to win back donor trust.
The non-governmental organisation 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 reduction of support towards the provision of free medicines would have a devastating impact on the lives of the many poor Zambians who relied on them.
“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,” Fr Mapulanga said.
“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.”
He urged the UPND government to punish the individuals behind the thefts instead of being defensive.
Caritas Zambia was sad that because of thieving, the US government had cut aid to Zambia worth US$50 million [K1.4 billion].
Fr Mapulanga said it was frustrating to note that some Zambians were stealing drugs and resources aimed at helping poor people live healthy lives.
The theft of drugs was not only a crime but a grave moral failure that undermined the well-being of communities, and Zambians should hold those responsible accountable.
“We acknowledge the frustration and anger felt by some within our nation who have witnessed this unacceptable abuse of trust. We recognise the difficult position of the US government and its ambassador to Zambia, who are understandably seeking to ensure the responsible use of their taxpayers’ contributions. However, we believe that halting aid, while perhaps intended as a strong deterrent, risks punishing the innocent and exacerbating an already precarious healthcare situation,” he said.
Fr Mapulanga called for practical solutions.
“This could include jointly implementing stricter monitoring mechanisms, involving independent oversight bodies or exploring phased approaches to aid,” Fr Mapulanga said.
Meanwhile, the Zambia US Exchange Alumni Association (ZUEA) has called for national accountability and renewed US-Zambia partnership following the suspension of aid to the health sector.
ZUEA president Akufuna Muyunda said the painful decision to cut aid was induced by government’s failure to ensure accountability in the management of donated medicines and medical supplies.
Muyunda said because of the theft and government’s inability to protect the integrity of the health sector, Zambia had lost K1.4 billion in aid come January next year.
“This crisis presents a fundamental challenge to our shared values as Zambians and our leadership. It should never take a foreign government to be more concerned about critical affairs in our country than we are ourselves. We Zambians should be first in ensuring accountability in resource management, first in calling out wrongs and second in correcting those wrongs,” he noted.
Muyunda urged all Zambians to be interested in matters of national importance such as the theft of medicines and demand for accountability and action from their leaders.