The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has announced the successful receipt of a major shipment of 100,000 vials of WHO-prequalified Artesunate 60mg, a vital medicine used in the treatment of severe malaria. This delivery marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to combat malaria, a disease that continues to pose a major public health challenge across the country.
In an official statement released on Monday, Bradley Chingobe, Senior Manager for Corporate Communications at ZAMMSA, highlighted that the shipment forms part of a larger procurement contract valued at K31 million. The contract aims to strengthen the availability and distribution of essential antimalarial commodities nationwide to improve treatment outcomes and save lives.
“The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the national fight against malaria with the arrival of a critical consignment of lifesaving medication,” Chingobe said.
This latest batch of 100,000 vials follows a successful earlier delivery of 8,400 vials, bringing the total amount of Artesunate 60mg vials received so far to more than 108,400. The increased supply is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to manage and treat severe malaria cases promptly and effectively.
Artesunate is widely regarded as the gold standard for treating severe malaria due to its rapid action in killing malaria parasites and reducing mortality. By securing a consistent supply of WHO-prequalified Artesunate, Zambia is taking important steps to align with global malaria treatment protocols and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women who are most at risk.
Malaria remains a major cause of illness and death in Zambia, especially in rural and high-transmission areas. The government’s procurement of these essential medicines underscores its commitment to the national malaria control strategy, which includes prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.
ZAMMSA’s efforts to ensure the steady availability of quality-assured antimalarial drugs like Artesunate will complement ongoing initiatives such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets distribution and indoor residual spraying campaigns.
As Zambia continues to battle malaria, this injection of life-saving medication is expected to play a critical role in reducing severe cases and fatalities, supporting the country’s broader goal of malaria elimination.