Minister Masebo Appeals for Cooperating Partners’ Support in Drug Efficacy and Forensic Audit
Health Minister Sylvia Masebo has called on cooperating partners to assist in verifying the efficacy of drugs recently marooned in a private warehouse and to conduct a forensic audit at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA).
Addressing various partners in Lusaka, Ms. Masebo expressed concerns that if the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) alone verifies the drugs, there could be skepticism about the results.
She emphasized that cooperation from partners is crucial to prevent unnecessary wastage and address claims that some drugs have expired and should not be distributed.
“The verification of these drugs is essential, especially since we are expecting more shipments. Currently, we have received 74 out of the expected 108 containers,” Ms. Masebo explained. She added that additional containers are due to arrive in the coming weeks.
Ms. Masebo also urged partners to support a forensic audit at ZAMMSA, as directed by President Hakainde Hichilema. She believes that partners, with their auditing expertise and tools, could enhance the audit process.
Additionally, she requested assistance in building the capacity of ZAMMSA officers, particularly in the Supply Chain and Warehouse Departments responsible for storage and distribution.
The Minister informed partners that the police, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and Anti-Corruption Commission are investigating the drug issue. She disclosed that the police were involved after concerns arose regarding explanations about 61 containers of drugs.
Ms. Masebo suspects possible sabotage and involvement of local drug suppliers in the scheme, which she believes aims to destabilize the drug supply chain and force the government to buy locally at inflated prices.
In response to Ms. Masebo’s call for assistance, cooperating partners commended her for transparency and have expressed their willingness to help. World Health Organization (WHO) Zambia Country Representative Dr. Nathan Bakyaita praised the Minister for promptly updating partners through a meeting rather than relying solely on media channels.
A detailed report on the investigations will be shared once completed, Ms. Masebo assured, as she continues to seek support to resolve the issue and ensure effective drug distribution in Zambia.
