By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has joined 129 other partner organisations worldwide to mark the 10th anniversary of the #MedSafetyWeek campaign, which promotes the safe use of medicines through increased public reporting of side effects.
Running from 3–9 November 2025, the campaign seeks to encourage patients, families, and healthcare professionals to report any suspected side effects of medicines to improve global drug safety.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is spearheading the local awareness efforts, highlighting that reporting even minor side effects can help protect others and strengthen regulatory oversight.
Medicines save lives and improve the health of millions globally, but sometimes they can also cause unintended side effects,” said MCAZ Director-General, Mr. Richard Tendayi Rukwata. “By raising awareness through #MedSafetyWeek, we want more people to know that their report matters. We only see the tip of the iceberg because only 5–10% of all suspected side effects are reported.”
Since its launch in 2016, the #MedSafetyWeek campaign has grown into a global collaboration across 117 countries, sharing messages in more than 60 languages. This year’s milestone edition underscores that everyone—not just doctors and pharmacists—has a role to play in medicine safety.
“By reporting suspected side effects, you and I have the power to make medicines safer for everyone. Speaking up could help protect someone else. Medicine safety starts with you and me,” added Mr. Rukwata.
