Permanent Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Health Christopher Simoonga has demanded 10 million US dollars from News Diggers newspapers and its journalist for defamation.
Prof Simoonga demands comes after the Newspaper publishes a story of awarding a $6.8 million contract to a company he is linked to.
The contract involves the implementation of an HIV/AIDS prevention programme which was awarded to a company linked to Chreso University where he served as Vice Chancellor.
The awarding of the contract is said to have raised issues of conflict of interest. Prof Simoonga however argues that he declared interest.
The matter also came up in Parliament this week. Kafinsa Independent member of Parliament Christopher Kangombe raised on a point of order demanding an explanation from the Minister of Health.
Minister Elijah Muchima told Parliament that the matter was being investigated. He said President Hakainde Hichilema remained committed to the fight against corruption.