Sunday Chanda Urges Decisive Action After U.S. Slashes Health Aid to Zambia
Calls for Transparency, Reforms, and Urgent Government Response
In the wake of a press briefing by U.S. Ambassador Michael C. Gonzales announcing a major reduction in aid to Zambia’s health sector, Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Hon. Sunday Chilufya Chanda has released a strong statement urging the Zambian Government to take immediate and pragmatic steps. He emphasizes that this is a critical moment requiring firm leadership, transparency, and genuine reform, especially within the Ministry of Health.
Below is the full statement issued by Hon. Chanda:
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Date: 7th May 2025
GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE PRAGMATIC STEPS AS A MATTER OF URGENCY
I have just concluded watching the press briefing by United States Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Michael C. Gonzales, in which he announced a significant cut in aid directed toward medications and medical supplies in Zambia. This decision follows the Government’s perceived failure to adequately address the systematic theft of medical commodities across the country.
As Member of Parliament for Kanchibiya, I wish to offer my counsel to the Government of the Republic of Zambia on how best to respond decisively, transparently, and constructively. This is not the time for defensiveness or delay. It is time to act in the best interest of our people and our development partners.
The following are pragmatic and urgent steps Government must take:
1. Public Acknowledgment and High-Level Commitment
Government must publicly acknowledge the concerns raised and reaffirm Zambia’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring transparency in the management of donor support. A clear outline of immediate actions being undertaken should be communicated to both citizens and cooperating partners.
2. Launch an Independent Forensic Audit
An independent, credible forensic audit must be commissioned focusing on procurement, storage, and distribution systems within the Ministry of Health, particularly on U.S.-funded medical supplies. Civil society and international observers must be involved, and the findings should be made public with swift corrective actions taken.
3. Establish a Joint Anti-Theft Task Force
A task force comprising the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Zambia Police, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and U.S. Embassy liaisons should be established to investigate and prosecute those behind the thefts. Real-time updates must be shared to demonstrate transparency and seriousness.
4. Suspend and Prosecute Offenders
Officials under investigation must be immediately suspended. Those found culpable must face the full force of the law. Whistleblowers must be protected and incentivized. Convictions must be publicized to send a strong message.
5. Engage the U.S. Diplomatically
High-level engagement must take place to reaffirm the long-standing partnership between Zambia and the United States. Government should request the deployment of a technical team to support integrity systems and propose a phased restoration of aid tied to measurable milestones.
6. Reform the Ministry of Health
Systemic reforms are long overdue. The Ministry must undergo a restructuring exercise to root out entrenched corruption. Long-serving officers in sensitive departments should be reassigned or retired, and internal controls should be strengthened to restore trust and professionalism.
In conclusion, the Government must treat this development not as a diplomatic embarrassment but as an urgent opportunity to confront corruption head-on in the health sector. This moment calls for fast, firm, and transparent action. Only then can we rebuild trust, both with our people and with those who continue to believe in Zambia’s potential.
Signed,
Hon. Sunday Chilufya Chanda, MP
Member of Parliament – Kanchibiya Constituency
This excerise will cost money. Can we afford it?
While appreciated and such an excise would be comprehensive and address the logistical leakages. I personally doubt the compentence of the gentleman at the helm of the Ministry.
I also doubt that would instal the loss in aid from the United States. Remember, this in our books is one of the largest donor when it comes to Health. The Current regime isnt about fixing problem. Its about reducing folks relying in them. Remember Trump believes in America First.
What needs to happen is us finding ways to sustainably afford our own medical bills. NHIMA is a great idea, its sustainabilty would entail all of us contributing.
However, the manner our politicans politise issues this will be a daunting task for citizens to appreciate.
That’s why I like chand……….
Planning ahead , very rare in an African politician who just think of eating now……
Mr President, get this man as minister with a promise to be VP after 2031
FWD2041
KIKIKIKI It’s doubtful he will go beyond 2026
Talking talking but he doesnt know how to walk the walk
Certainly wish him well till 2026
AS for VP no no both positions up for grabs
When are you chaps going to learn that to be an en3rmy of the US is dangerous but to be a friend is fatal. Please let them go we don’t need their aid money. They just want us to give them more of our rare earth minerals for free.
What about when your boss Lungu and his extended family was the beneficiary of the theft of said funds sir
When we see a politician who doesnt take advantage of his position or fill the pockets we can then expect the second coming
@Tikki What about the one in Community House?
Grace Jones
The one in community house needs encouragement……
He had got the basics right but the task at hand of eradicating corruption, no one man can accomplish…….its a generational job from all angles…….
FWD2031
Let the USA cut these funds its actually a good thing.That way some lazy Zambians can learn to fend for themselves ,work harder and be self reliant.
Actually USA itself needs these savings to fix crumbling bridges ,expand some roads and help poor veterans.