The novel Corona Virus (Covid-19) has caused waves of panic around the world, and Africa – where health systems are fragile and 41% percent of people live in poverty – has not been spared. According to the African Union, a total of 52 African countries have reported 23,505 Covid-19 cases, 1,158 deaths, and 5,833 recoveries to date. In Zambia, according to the Ministry of Health’s update on 21st April 2020, there are currently 70 confirmed cases of the disease, with 3 deaths and 35 recoveries. Given that Zambia has a score of 34 out of 100 on the Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perception Index, a figure far below the global average of 43, it becomes increasingly important to avert the pernicious influence of those who may wish to abuse the unfortunate circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic for illicit gain. Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) would therefore like to highlight the importance of a risk management approach to avert losses from corruption which may increase loss of life and inability of the poor to access basic goods and services during this period of crisis. TIZ recognises the importance of cooperation between various actors including civil society who remain an important partner in ensuring a speedy end to the Covid-19 pandemic with minimal losses.
In recognising this need for multi-stakeholder cooperation, TIZ would first like to acknowledge the Zambian government’s efforts to limit the transmission and effects of Covid-19. In the same vein, TIZ commends all institutions and individuals that have donated either money or supplies towards the fight against Covid-19. Additionally, TIZ recognises the particular efforts of health professionals, scientists and essential workers who continue to lead and support Zambia’s fight against Covid-19. Zambia is indebted to you and posterity will judge you well for your commitment and dedication to duty. TIZ also recognises the role of the public in helping to curb the spread of Covid-19, and calls on the public to continue cooperating with Ministry of Health guidelines aimed at ultimately putting a stop to the pandemic in Zambia.
The above efforts notwithstanding, TIZ urges the government and all other stakeholders not to relax and fall into a false sense of security, but rather to ensure that the response efforts are not only continued but also well accounted for at all levels. In light of this, TIZ hereby makes the following recommendations which touch on four aspects of the response to Covid-19:
- Emergency procurement and trade
TIZ recognises the increased level of responsiveness required during a pandemic and the amount of pressure it may put on the country’s procurement systems, but highlights the importance of ensuring that resources go where they need to be invested in order to overcome the crisis and save lives. TIZ therefore recommends the following in relation to procurement and trade:
- Government must maintain public and open procurement systems highlighting the cost of procurement, the grade-level of the procured materials and the delivery lead times to ensure public contracting processes that can withstand audit and are responsive to the current needs. These need not be complex matrices, but simple tools which clearly outline public expenditure in a fast and efficient way and support emergency planning processes;
- Government must monitor, deter, and take relevant action against traders involved in unfair trade practices such as price hiking of essential goods such as masks, hand sanitizers and food stuffs;
- Whistle-blowing
- Government must ensure the protection of those who may expose wrong-doing of any kind whether in the procurement system or beyond. Government should collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to ensure whistle-blowers are protected from all forms of retaliation, and ensure that the information they disclose is acted upon.
- Media and Civic Space
- Government must support open, responsible and transparent reporting on Covid-19, including the sharing of reliable information on treatment options and good practices. In this vein, TIZ reiterates its call to the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to immediately rescind its decision to cancel Prime TV’s broadcasting licence.
- Donated funds and other resources
TIZ commends all institutions and individuals that have donated funds and other resources towards the Covid-19 fight. However, TIZ foresees the potential abuse of such funds where proper guidelines for their use and accountability are not put in place. TIZ therefore recommends the following:
- Government must put in place effective auditing processes, tools and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability for donated and other resources;
- Government must put in place effective and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that donated and other resources not only reach intended beneficiaries but that beneficiaries are able to provide feedback to support lessons learned;
- Government must ensure open, transparent and regular communication on the donated and other resources as well as the development of a Communication Strategy clearly outlining communication channels with the public and relevant stakeholder on how exactly these resources are being used.
TIZ is convinced that implementing all these recommendations will go a long way in ensuring that Zambia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic is not only effective in terms of reaching those it intends to reach, but that it is also in line with principles of transparency and accountability. TIZ believes that it is only when all stakeholders put their efforts together in a transparent, open and corrupt-free manner that the war against Covid-19 will be won.
Rueben L. Lifuka
TIZ Chapter President
