NGOCC Pushes for Stronger Controls to Curb Medical Supply Corruption
The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called for greater transparency and accountability in Zambia’s public health sector, while reaffirming the country’s sovereignty following recent diplomatic tensions involving the United States.
In a statement issued by Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe, the organisation backed the Zambian government’s position, as articulated by Mulambo Haimbe, that Zambia remains a sovereign state with established diplomatic channels for engaging international partners.
However, Ms Katebe expressed NGOCC’s concern over remarks by the outgoing United States Ambassador, which suggested that health-sector support may have been linked to negotiations over Zambia’s critical mineral resources.
She warned that any arrangement tying essential aid to access to national assets would undermine the country’s autonomy.
“International cooperation must be grounded in mutual respect and partnership, not conditionalities that exert undue pressure on a sovereign people,” the statement read.
At the same time, she said NGOCC acknowledges that the concerns raised have brought renewed attention to longstanding allegations regarding the management of public medical supplies. The organisation stressed that sovereignty should not be used to shield corruption or avoid addressing issues that threaten public health.
The council has called on the government to provide a comprehensive and transparent account of investigations into the alleged theft and diversion of medical supplies. It is also demanding swift prosecution of those involved, regardless of their position, alongside clear communication of outcomes to the public.
In addition, Ms Katebe urged the implementation of time-bound reforms to strengthen oversight, traceability, and internal controls within the medical supply chain. She further emphasised the need to uphold whistleblower protections to encourage the reporting of corruption.
The organisation has also called on citizens, civil society groups, and women’s movements to use lawful means to demand accountability and integrity across public institutions.
Reaffirming NGOCC’s non-partisan stance, she stated that the organisation remains committed to protecting the dignity and welfare of all Zambians, warning that neither sovereignty nor international partnerships should be used to obscure governance failures or compromise national interests.
