LUSAKA — On November 7, the United States Government officially handed over 12 heavy-duty vehicles to Medical Stores Limited (MSL) to help fulfill its “last-mile” distribution mandate and strengthen Zambia’s ability to deliver medical commodities to Zambians across the nation, particularly those living in rural communities.

The 12 vehicles - six 10 ton trucks, three 30 ton trucks, and three 2 ton refrigerated trucks - are a reflection of the USAID’s partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia in its fight against HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, and are an indication of the American People’s commitment towards enabling a self-reliant, AIDS-free generation in Zambia.

“These vehicles will help the Zambian Ministry of Health to reach its goal that patients can visit any health center at any time and be confident that they will receive the drugs they need,” said USAID/Zambia Mission Director Patrick Diskin.

Zambia’s Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya led the Zambian delegation that was on hand to take receipt of the vehicles, which were procured by USAID with funds provided through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  Since its launch in 2004 by then U.S. President George W. Bush, PEPFAR has contributed more than $3 billion towards scaling up Zambia’s HIV-response.

Implemented through multiple U.S. Government agencies operating in Zambia, to date PEPFAR has enabled an increase in patients accessing life-saving antiretroviral therapy and laboratory services from 3,500 to over 730,000.  As a result of the successful scale-up of the country’s HIV program, the volume of commodities being purchased and delivered through Zambia’s system has increased by nearly 20 times since 2005.

Working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and MSL, USAID is committed to improving the health of Zambians and their communities. These vehicles strengthen MSL’s distribution capacity, enabling the delivery of life-saving safe medicines and supplies to over 2,000 Government health facilities across Zambia.