By Staff Reporter
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has raised alarm over the increasing trend of unapproved medicine advertisements, particularly on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter). The authority has noted that celebrities and social media influencers are among those promoting these medicines, including herbal and complementary products, without the required authorization.
MCAZ Director-General Mr. Richard T. Rukwata emphasized the legal and health implications of such advertisements, stating, “The unauthorized promotion of medicines poses a significant risk to public health, as it can mislead consumers into using products that have not been evaluated for safety, efficacy, and quality. We strongly urge socialites, celebrities, and influencers to desist from advertising medicines without written approval from the MCAZ.”
According to the MCAZ, this practice contravenes Section 40 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (Chapter 15:03) and Section 65 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control (General) Regulations, 1991 (S.I. 150 of 1991). Section 40 of the Act explicitly prohibits the publication or distribution of false or misleading advertisements for medicines. It also restricts the advertisement of medicines that require professional direction for use, allowing them to be promoted only in approved medical journals or directly to healthcare professionals. Furthermore, Section 65(1b) states that no medicine should be advertised without prior written approval from the MCAZ, while Section 65(3) prohibits the promotion of medicines for the treatment of specific conditions listed in the Seventh Schedule.
The MCAZ defines an advertisement as any written, pictorial, visual, or verbal statement intended to promote the sale of a medicine. This includes advertisements appearing in newspapers, television broadcasts, films, or any other medium that reaches the public. The unauthorized promotion of medicines is an offence, and those found guilty may face legal consequences under both the Act and the Regulations.
To help the public identify whether a medicine advertisement has been approved, the MCAZ has provided key warning signs. Approved medicines typically display a unique registration number assigned after thorough evaluation of their safety and efficacy. Consumers are encouraged to verify these registration numbers by consulting the medicines register on the MCAZ website. Additionally, advertisements that make exaggerated claims, such as guaranteeing instant results, 100% cure rates, or having no side effects, are often misleading and should be treated with skepticism. Reliable advertisements should be factual, balanced, and supported by evidence.
The MCAZ also warns against advertisements that falsely claim a product is superior to other brands without scientific proof. Furthermore, prescription medicines should never be directly advertised to the public. Any advertisement encouraging individuals to purchase prescription drugs without consulting a medical professional is likely unapproved. The public should also be wary of medicines that claim to cure multiple diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, as these are often scams. Additionally, advertisements that use fear-mongering tactics or offer medicines alongside bonus deals and discounts should be approached with caution.
Mr. Rukwata reiterated the authority’s commitment to enforcing the law, stating, “We are working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to take necessary legal action against those found violating these provisions. We encourage members of the public to report unauthorized medicine advertisements to the MCAZ so that we can take swift action.”
The MCAZ has emphasized that it will continue to monitor and regulate medicine advertisements to safeguard public health. It urges all stakeholders, including the media, to play a role in ensuring that only approved medicines are advertised and promoted in Zimbabwe.
For further information, members of the public can contact MCAZ’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Davison Kaiyo, via email or phone.
The MCAZ is a statutory body established under the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA) [Chapter 15:03] and is responsible for ensuring that medicines, allied substances, and medical devices in Zimbabwe are safe, effective, and of high quality. The authority succeeds the Drugs Control Council (DCC) and the Zimbabwe Regional Drug Control Laboratory (ZRDCL), with a mandate to regulate and enforce adherence to medical standards among manufacturers and distributors.
The MCAZ advises the public to check its website for official updates and to verify information before purchasing or using any advertised medicines. Additionally, media houses interested in interviews or further discussions on the matter are encouraged to submit their requests to the MCAZ’s official email addresses.
