ZAMBIA: Jesuits in Zambia Urge Government to Act Swiftly after US Cut $50 Million in Medical Aid
Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga Executive Director, Caritas Zambia
Sandra Kunda
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has called on the Zambian government to urgently address the widespread theft of medical drugs, following the United States government’s decision to withdraw $50 million (approximately K1.4 billion) in aid.
“This crisis undermines the dignity and sanctity of life, betrays public trust, violates the preferential option for the poor, and core tenets of Catholic Social Teaching,” said Mr. Edward Musosa, the JCTR’s Social and Economic Development Programme Manager, in a statement.
Mr. Musosa criticized the government’s response, noting blame-shifting, lack of transparency, and weak enforcement, saying, “The Minister of Health attributing the issue to past administrations does not excuse the current government’s responsibility. Some of these thefts occurred during their tenure.”
JCTR has put forward key recommendations, including publishing the full forensic audit, protecting whistleblowers, fast-tracking prosecutions, and introducing a digital drug tracking system. It also urged the government to use the transition window until January 2026 to build a resilient domestic system and safeguard vulnerable citizens.
“The right to health is a moral issue, not just a policy matter,” Mr. Musosa emphasized. “The theft of life-saving drugs is a violation of human dignity and a failure of stewardship. The government must act decisively and transparently.
The US cited systemic theft of life-saving medicines and inadequate government response as key reasons for halting the funding, which supports treatment for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Investigations found that 95% of pharmacies visited were selling US-donated drugs, with 45% confirmed to be dealing in stolen stock.
In a different statement, Caritas Zambia expressed the same concern over the recent decision by the US government to cut aid for essential medicines in Zambia, condemning the theft of drugs, which they described as a “grave moral failing.”
They warned that cutting aid could have devastating consequences for innocent citizens who rely on these life-saving drugs.
“We understand the U.S. government’s desire for accountability, but halting aid risks punishing the very people who are already suffering,” Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga, Executive Director, Caritas Zambia, said.
Caritas Zambia urged the government to boost domestic investment in healthcare and engage transparently with donors to rebuild trust.
Fr. Mapulanga also called for the establishment of stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent future theft and ensure aid reaches intended beneficiaries.
The Church’s social justice arm reaffirmed its commitment to justice and accountability, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding access to healthcare for all Zambians.
