Seven CSOs concerned with Global Fund forensic audit report

TIZ Executive Director Wesley Chibamba

Seven Civil Society Organizations have jointly expressed concern about the image damaging Global Fund forensic audit report covering the period 2014-2016 that has revealed the thefts of drugs and other medical products at Medical Stores Limited.

The CSOs, that include Transparency International Zambia (TIZ), Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, Consumer Unit Trust (CUTS) International Zambia, Center for Trade Policy and Development, ActionAid Zambia, Zambia Council for Social Development and Alliance for Community Action, have since called on President Edgar Lungu to fire Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya and his two Permanent Secretaries.

Reading a joint statement on behalf of the CSOs, TIZ Executive Director Wesley Chibamba says the CSOs are saddened by the Global Fund’s investigative report which unearthed theft of drugs and other medical products as well as misdirection of over US$1.06 million meant to better the health system in Zambia.

Mr. Chibamba says there is need for President Lungu to take responsibility of what is happening in his government and be more responsible and safeguard tax payers’ money.

He says the easiest short term measure for the president is to fire erring ministers and Permanent Secretaries before the country loses the little faith that the cooperating partners have in the country.

Mr. Chibamba says the CSOs hope that the Office of the Inspector General under Global Fund will work closely with Zambia’s investigative wings to bring all culprits to book.

And ActionAid Zambia Country Director, Nalucha Ziba says there is need for the government to review some of the laws dealing with corruption such as the Anti Corruption Act so that they are strengthened to handle such cases.

And Consumer Unit Trust (CUTS) International Zambia Center Coordinator Chenai Mukumba says the response from the minister of health to the revelations was rather reactionary as opposed to answering the queries that stakeholders are bringing forward.

Ms Mukumba says it is also worrying that the minister appeared to brush aside the report as old.