Zambia warns the envoys after the US ambassador reveals the “systematic” theft of medical aid “

The Foreign Minister of Zambia warned diplomats not to interfere in the affairs of the country, days after the US ambassador expressed concerns about the “systematic theft” of drugs donated to the South African country.

Mulambo Haimbe said there is a “growing trend” by envoys to ignore diplomatic channels and this can undermine “the spirit of mutual respect.”

He did not name anyone, but his comments are seen as aimed at the US ambassador to Lusaka Michael Gonzalez.

Last week, Gonzalez called at a press conference to announce that the United States is reducing $ 50 million (£ 37 million) of health care to Zambia Due to the theft of life -saving drugs the United States has provided to patients.

He added that he had decided to go out publicly after holding more than 30 infertile meetings with Zambia senior officials.

In his reply, Himb said that the government’s addressing through the media was intervention and violated diplomatic conventions.

“We remain open to dealing with any questions that are worried through appropriate diplomatic channels,” the minister added.

Last week, the US Embassy said in April last year, it presented its findings about the suspected corruption of Zambia’s employees and offered assistance in stopping the more theft and sending the culprits to the court.

However, no action has been taken by the Zambian authorities, he added.

On Monday, Zambia’s Interior Minister Jacob Mwiembu said a forensic audit of the alleged theft had completed and handed over to the security agencies for more action.

About 75 people have been arrested for repression across the country, with more than 400 healthcare facilities attacked for the alleged fraud, he said.

“There will be no sacred cows in this persecution,” Mwiimbu added.

Gonzalez said an investigation carried out by US officials at more than 2000 pharmacies last year found that most sell drugs and medical supplies donated by the United States.

Zambia’s Health Minister Iliya Muslaima earlier said the problem of theft preceded the current governmentwhich took office in 2021

Mustima also said that several Zambyan officials were fired after thefts identified by the United States and that “an advanced digital stock tracking system” was created to monitor drug delivery.

The reduction in US assistance, which is expected to come into force next year, will affect drugs for the treatment of malaria, HIV and tuberculosis.

But the Minister of Health reassured the Zambians that there were enough stocks of all medicines, so there is no “immediate risk of shortage”.

Gonzalez said the recent measure for the United States is separate for the freezing of foreign aid, announced by President Donald Trump in January.

Freeze has affected health programs throughout Africa, including supplies of critical medical supplies, including HIV medicines.

In March, Zambia President Hakinde Hichillema said Trump had “hit us on both cheeks,” stating that it is time for his country to strengthen his treasury to get his own medicines.

The United States is about one -third of the cost of public health in Zambia, according to the US Embassy.