Government has received a bulk consignment of assorted medicines and medical supplies procured from Egypt through the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), in a move aimed at strengthening the availability of essential medicines in public health facilities across the country.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi said the development demonstrates government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring equitable access to medicines for all citizens.
Speaking during the official receipt of the consignment at the ZAMMSA Central Warehouse in Lusaka today, Dr Lishimpi said the medicines will help address healthcare gaps, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
“The arrival and subsequent distribution of these commodities mark an important step towards achieving universal health coverage and fulfilling our commitment to leave no one behind,” he said.
And the Permanent Secretary directed ZAMMSA to ensure its fleet of trucks is fully operational to facilitate the timely distribution of medicines, while embracing digital tracking systems to improve accountability and efficiency in the supply chain.
He further urged healthcare workers, supply chain personnel and members of the public to safeguard the medicines, stating that the commodities are intended to save lives and improve the wellbeing of citizens.
Meanwhile, Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia Mayada Abdelrahman said the consignment signifies the growing cooperation between Zambia and Egypt in strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to essential medicines.
Ms Abdelrahman noted that the partnership reflects Egypt’s commitment to supporting health security on the African continent through the provision of quality and affordable medicines.
She expressed optimism that the collaboration would expand into pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology transfer and capacity building, adding that both countries share a vision of building resilient healthcare systems.
And Presidential Advisor on Health Roma Chilengi said the arrival of the medicines was the culmination of more than three years of engagements between Zambia and Egypt under a Government-to-Government arrangement, championed by Presidents Hakainde Hichilema and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Professor Chilengi said government expects the medicines to reach the intended beneficiaries, stressing that accountability, transparency and efficient distribution must be upheld throughout the supply chain.
He added that Zambia is keen to deepen cooperation with Egypt through investments in local pharmaceutical manufacturing and skills development to strengthen national health security.
Speaking earlier, ZAMMSA Acting Director General Liyoka Liyoka said government has commenced the receipt and distribution of 30 consignments of medicines and medical supplies from Egypt, which are expected to provide an average of eight months’ stock cover for several essential medicines.
Mr Liyoka said the consignment includes antibiotics, analgesics, antihypertensives and antipsychotic medicines, among others, adding that immediate distribution plans have already been activated to ensure the commodities reach health facilities across the country without delay.
