HEALTH Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya has asked all provincial health officers and their departments to be accountable and to prudently use donated equipment only on defined activities.

Speaking when he received a donation of vehicles, motor cycles, reagents, and supplies worth £2.2 million donated by the British government to the National Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee (AMRCC) in Lusaka, Thursday, Dr Chilufya said accountability and integrity were key to winning public confidence.

“To all our provincial health directors, senior medical superintendents, and all the user departments that will be utilizing this equipment to be accountable, to be prudent, and to make sure that you utilize these on the activities that have been defined. Accountability and integrity are key and this will ensure that the public remains confident. Through health promotion, let us ensure that the community is brought to speed on the importance of that,” Dr Chilufya said.

He said government would continue to push the agenda for health security, including antimicrobial resistance.

“The partnership with the UK government, through the Flaming Fund anchoring on the lead by CIDRZ that has resulted in the donation of two motor vehicles, motor cycles, laboratory equipment and reagents worth £2.2 million, is high impact investment in the fight against AMR. I would like you to join me in thanking the UK government for this generous donation. The Zambian government, under President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, will continue to push the agenda for health security, including antimicrobial resistance. I would like to thank you also for posting milestones in contributing to the data that is reported to the global antimicrobial resistance surveillance system,” said Dr Chilufya.