Zambian authorities criticize diplomats following open announcement by U.S. about suspension of medical aid due to allegations of widespread corruption
Title: US Slashes Zambia's Health Aid Over Corruption Scandal: Ambassador's Bold Move Sparks Diplomatic Ruckus
icynote: The United States swiftly cut $50 million in annual health aid to Zambia due to systematic theft of donated drugs, igniting a diplomatic spat.
Zambian Foreign Minister's Rebuke: In a blunt reprimand, Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe criticized the rising trend of diplomatic slips by envoys. Haimbe pointed out that bypassing diplomatic channels and addressing national concerns through the press is an interference and violates diplomatic customs. However, he assured willingness to tackle matters of concern via proper diplomatic channels [1].
Stirring the Pot: US Ambassador Michael Gonzales, in an unconventional move, publicly announced the funding cut following unproductive meetings with local officials. The alleged theft of relief medications was first flagged to the Zambian government in April 2024, but the government's response was deemed insufficient [1].
Unveiling the Scandal: An investigation from 2021 to 2023 found that nearly half of around 2,000 pharmacies in Zambia were selling drugs funded by US aid [2][4]. The theft involved crucial treatments for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, entailing about $50 million from the $128 million annually provided by the US for Zambia's health sector [1].
Blow to Diplomacy: The US ambassador's press conference was slammed as a breach of diplomatic procedures and a lack of tact. But Gonzales insisted that the decision to cut funding was "wholly separate" from the foreign aid freeze announced earlier by the Trump administration [1].
Backlash and Arrests: Following the announcement, Zambian Health Minister Elijah Muchima assured the public that there were no immediate shortages since the nation had sufficient stocks of all medications [1]. On the other side, Zambia's Home Affairs Minister Jacob Mwiimbu reported arrests of about 75 individuals implicated in the corruption, after raids on over 400 health facilities [3].
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Health | Zambia | theft | health aid | United States | diplomacy | corruption
[1] US ambassador responds to health aid cut criticism, maintains US-Zambia relations[2] Investigation reveals widespread theft of U.S. funded medications in Zambian pharmacies[3] Dwindling resources: Zambia fights corruption and its impact on the nation's health system[4] Fighting for accountability: Zambian authorities take measures to tackle medical aid theft scandal
- The medical-conditions of many Zambians may be affected by the US's withdrawal of $50 million in health aid due to rampant theft of donated medications, as reported in an investigation spanning from 2021 to 2023.
- The health and wellness sector in Zambia has been entangled in a political dilemma, with the US Ambassador announcing the funding cut due to corruption and the government responding with arrests of individuals implicated in the scandal.
- The controversial decision by the US Ambassador to address the funding cut through a press conference instead of diplomatic channels has sparked a debate in Zambia's politics, with some viewing it as a breach of diplomatic procedures, while others argue it was a necessary move to address the health-and-wellness concerns arising from the theft scandal.
