Human Rights Commission reacts to PF’s claims on Kambwili’s health, says detainee receiving appropriate attention in prison

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has said that former Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Chishimba Kambwili, was receiving medical care at Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, contrary to media reports suggesting his health was deteriorating.

Following reports on Kambwili’s alleged health decline, the Commission said that its team visited him on August 13, 2025, at the Lusaka Central Correctional Service Facility.

HRC Spokesperson, Mwelwa Muleya, in a statement issued on Monday, said the Commission would continue monitoring Kambwili’s health situation.

He added that there were no reports indicating that the medical personnel attending to him were unable to meet his health needs.

“The Commission will only take appropriate action, within its mandate, based on the advice of medical personnel,” Muleya stated.

He claimed that the Commission had visited Kambwili even before the Patriotic Front, through its Acting President, Given Lubinda, raised concerns about his health on August 15, 2025.

Muleya explained that Kambwili was transferred from Kasama Central Correctional Service Facility to Lusaka on August 5, 2025, to attend pending court matters, and that ince his arrival, he had been accommodated in the clinic within Lusaka Central Correctional Facility to meet his medical requirements, including access to an elevated bed.

“The Commission had an opportunity to interact with Kambwili, Correctional Service officers, and medical personnel to understand his health situation and recommend remedial measures, if any, to uphold his right to health,” Muleya said.

He added that the Commission was committed to respecting individuals’ right to privacy, including protecting confidential medical information obtained during its duties.

“The finding of the Commission was that the Zambia Correctional Service was facilitating medical access to Kambwili,” Muleya said.

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