Canisius hails HH on stalled US health deal
By Ludia Ngwadzai
HEALTH expert Dr Canisius Banda has supported the decision by President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) government to reject the United States (US) government’s US$1 billion health co-financing offer.
Dr Banda described the rejection as “exemplary”.
In a statement, Dr Banda expressed concern that the offer was “questionable and dangerous” citing the potential for the US to access Zambia’s biological data and minerals.
“The pursuit of biological data coupled with access to our minerals by the US government is suspicious,” he said.
“It constitutes treachery and a nefarious purchase of our sovereignty.”
Dr Banda warned that genetic profiling of Zambians and the infectious diseases they suffer from could lead to the total extermination of Zambians, citing the existence of custom-made germs.
He urged citizens to support the government’s decision, saying every Zambian should put the country’s interests first.
“The collection of money in exchange for vital identity data is betrayal of the nation,” Dr Banda said.
“It constitutes an existential threat for Zambia.”
He commended President Hichilema and the UPND for their high level of alertness in national security vigilance.
Dr Banda urged the UPND government to maintain the same position in all spheres of human endeavour in Zambia.
