Zambia–US Health Aid – BCA secrecy petitioned

By Hellen Bwalya and Derrick Sinjela

In a Friday 6th March 2026 joint Press Statement Chapter One Foundation (COF) and Linda C. Kasonde Freedom Foundation (LCK-FF) filed an appeal with Human Rights Commission Over Non – Disclosure of Zambia–US Health Aid Agreements by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations (MoFAIR).
Worried over the matter at hand COF Executive Director Josiah Kalala and the LCK -FF Executive Director Linda C. Kasonde confirmed having formally filed an appeal with the Human Rights Commission In accordance with the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023 regarding the failure of the MoH and MoFAIR to provide copies of the Zambia–US Health Aid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the related Bilateral Compact Agreement (BCA) to citizens.
Mr. Kalala and Ms. Kasonde explained that the request seeking release of Zambia–US Health Aid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the related Bilateral Compact Agreement documents was made pursuant to the Access to Information Act, which requires public bodies to respond within seven (7) days.

**Chapter One Foundation (COF) Executive Director Josiah Kalala**

Despite the expiry of this statutory period, Kalala and Ms. Kasonde regretted that MoH and MoFAIR have not furnished the requested information nor provided lawful justification for the refusal.
The agreements in question reportedly have significant implications for Zambia’s public health system, the privacy of citizens, and the management of the country’s mineral resources.
“These are matters of undeniable public interest that require transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. By filing this appeal, Chapter One Foundation and the LCK Freedom Foundation seek to uphold the constitutional right of access to information and to ensure that public institutions comply with their legal obligations,” read the joint COF – LCK-FF petition.

**LCK-Freedom Foundation Executive Director Ms. Linda C. Kasonde**

Kalala and Ms. Kasonde urged the Human Rights Commission to impress upon the Government the importance of respecting the Access to Information Act and reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to transparency and democratic governance.
“The public has a right to know. We will continue to pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that this right is protected,” prayed Kalala and Ms. Kasonde