MUYO Executive Director Barthromew Shaba made the remarks when the organization briefed Mabulabo area development committee on the onset of an 'enhancing governance and health systems accountability' project in the area which is being supported by Tilitonse fund.

Shaba said According to the global fund 2017 report government loses 30% of drugs in public health facilities to theft where 35% of the drugs end up in private clinics.

"It is surprising that when people go to health centers they are told there are no drugs and that they should buy them or they should go to a private facility which is owned by the same people who work in government or public health facilities," said Shaba.

He said this leads to suspicions that the same workers might be responsible for siphoning drugs out of the public health facilities.

Shaba said drug theft in public health facilities deprives communities of access to quality health care when sick which defeats the country's efforts in ensuring that citizens enjoy their rights to health

Meanwhile, the youth organization has embarked on 12 months - Enhancing governance and health systems accountability project - in trying to end the malpractice which has not spared health facilities around Mabulabo and Khonsolo in Mzimba.

"We will be working with stakeholders in these areas mainly surrounding four health centers so that they are able to track how drugs are used at the facilities to ensure accountability and transparency," said Shaba.

In his remarks, Senior Chief Mabulabo concurred with such assertions saying this is compromised by the lack of vibrant health advisory committees at most health centers

The senior chief urged Muumoza youth organization to revamp the advisory committees if they are to make inroads with their project and ensure that communities are able to access quality health services

"We are in this situation because our health advisory committees in the health centers are not working, some lack capacity, while others have overstayed so what is needed here, is a complete overhaul of the by either revamping them or establishing new ones," said Senior Chief Mabulabo.

Muumoza Youth Organization is implementing a 12 months project aimed at Enhancing Governance and Health Systems Accountability in the areas of Senior Chief Mabulabo and Inkosi Khonsolo with support from the Tilitonse fund.