Government reaffirms commitment to eradicate corruption

Acting Minister of Health, Cornelius Mweetwa says the government remains committed to eradicating corruption in the health sector and strengthening transparency in the management of public resources. Mr Mweetwa says the government has taken note of the latest 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), stating that CPI remains an important indicator of how Zambia’s governance systems are viewed both locally and internationally. The media reports that speaking during an engagement with Transparency International Zambia(TIZ) in Lusaka today, Mr Mweetwa said perceptions reflected in the CPI are significant because they influence investor confidence, public trust and the country’s international standing in the fight against corruption.

He said the government respects, acknowledges and accepts the findings of the CPI in the same way it does when the country receives positive ratings. Mr Mweetwa said corruption is often difficult to detect because it is conducted in secrecy, making perception-based tools important in assessing governance vulnerabilities. He said the government views corruption as a societal disease that affects all citizens, particularly the poor, whose resources are often diverted for private gain.

Mr Mweetwa said the government has therefore prioritized strengthening institutions, enhancing transparency in public procurement and ensuring that anti-corruption agencies operate independently. He said several reforms have been introduced, including the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, which fast-tracks corruption cases to ensure offenders are prosecuted and justice is delivered more quickly. Speaking at the same event, Transparency International Zambia(TIZ) President Prsicilla Chansa has challenged the government to strengthen measures to fight corruption in the health sector, particularly the Ministry of Health.