Zambia’s Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe has cautioned diplomats against bypassing official channels to address the government, days after US Ambassador Michael Gonzales publicly revealed the “systematic theft” of donated drugs, prompting the US to cut $50 million in health aid.
Haimbe emphasized that envoys should respect diplomatic conventions and engage with the government through appropriate channels, implying that Gonzales’ actions undermined mutual respect.
The US embassy had discovered widespread theft of donated medical supplies, including life-saving medications for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis, which were being sold in private pharmacies.
Gonzales held over 30 meetings with senior Zambian officials before going public, expressing frustration over the government’s inaction.
In response, Zambia’s government has initiated a crackdown, arresting 75 people and raiding over 400 health facilities.
Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu assured that a forensic audit has been completed and handed over to security agencies.
Health Minister Elijah Muchima stated that the current government, which took office in 2021, inherited the problem of theft, and measures are being taken to address it, including setting up a digital stock tracking system.
Despite the aid cut, Muchima reassured Zambians that there’s no immediate risk of shortages. The US funding accounts for about a third of Zambia’s public health spending .
