Government Removes Specimen Sharing Clause from US$1.5 Billion Health Deal

Minister of Health Professor Roma Chilengi says the two governments have agreed on a revised MoU after addressing concerns surrounding its duration, data protection, intellectual property, benefit-sharing and specimen sharing.

Speaking at a media briefing, Professor Chilengi said all the concerns had been reviewed and addressed, and that Government was now comfortable proceeding with the signing of the revised agreement.

He said the revised MoU contains no provision requiring Zambia to share biological specimens.

Professor Chilengi said the provision had been completely removed and Zambia would not be obliged to share any specimens under the agreement.

He also said concerns surrounding patient information and data sharing had been addressed.

Professor Chilengi explained that the revised agreement only provides for information required to monitor and evaluate programmes under the MoU.

He said Government was satisfied with the revisions and was ready to proceed with the signing of the agreement.