US Funding Cut Raises Alarm




TI-Z says Health sector corruption threatens vulnerable citizens after $50 million aid withdrawal

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (26-05-2025) - Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed alarm over the recent decision by the United States government to suspend more than US$50 million in direct support to Zambia’s Ministry of Health, citing procurement-related corruption.

In a statement to mark Africa Freedom Day, TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe said the move was a damning indictment of public financial management systems and a wake-up call for national leadership and oversight institutions.

“This is a serious indictment on the integrity of our public systems and a wake-up call for all stakeholders,” Mr Nyambe said.

“The withdrawal of funding poses a severe risk to essential healthcare services, especially for the most vulnerable Zambians.”

Mr Nyambe noted that civil society organisations, including TI-Z, had consistently warned against weak procurement oversight, particularly in critical sectors such as health.

“What we are witnessing now is the consequence of long-ignored warnings,” he said, calling for urgent reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

The anti-corruption watchdog also raised concern over a court injunction recently granted to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, which barred News Diggers from broadcasting an investigative documentary on alleged malpractice. Mr Nyambe said such legal actions, though within the rights of litigants, risk undermining press freedom.

“While everyone has the right to seek legal redress, pre-emptive court orders that limit the dissemination of information on matters of public interest set a dangerous precedent,” he said.

“Such actions contradict Zambia’s professed values of democracy and good governance.”

Despite these challenges, TI-Z acknowledged some positive strides in governance, including increased citizen engagement in service delivery, improvements in the agriculture sector, and renewed efforts to restore fiscal discipline through international cooperation.

“These are commendable steps that must be protected and expanded,” said Mr Nyambe.

He said the 2025 Africa Freedom Day observance should serve as a time of reflection and recommitment to integrity, transparency, and justice—principles that must go hand in hand with political freedom.

“Africa Freedom Day reminds us that the fight for justice and dignity is ongoing,” he said.

“We must strive for freedom beyond political independence by ensuring accountability and integrity in governance.”

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