PROGRESS SO FAR:

In 2021, only 35% of essential drugs were available at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) central hub. Meanwhile, only 53% of hospitals had these medicines and 42% of primary health centres.

By 2024, ZAMMSA HQ had 68.3% of drugs, while 79% of hospitals and 85% of primary health centres were properly stocked.

At the same time, Government’s budget for essential drugs has increased from K1.4bn in 2021 to K4.9bn in 2025, with 19 additional procurement contracts signed.

While drug loss and theft is an ongoing issue, the government is clamping down on corruption. Having ordered a comprehensive and forensic audit by PwC, government has dismissed several senior ZAMMSA officials, including Director General Victor Nyasulu.

Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has set up a Joint National Drug Taskforce to crack down on theft and ZAMMSA has implemented a digital stock tracking system to ensure supplies are accounted for.