Kudakwashe Pembere
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has inaugurated a new Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) board, tasking it with strengthening medicines regulation and steering the country towards attaining World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level 4 status.
The newly appointed board, whose tenure runs from May 8, 2026 to May 8, 2030, currently has eight members, although Dr Mombeshora said four additional members would be appointed in due course.
The outgoing board completed its constitutionally permitted two terms.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Dr Mombeshora said the board carries a critical governance responsibility in safeguarding public health and strengthening confidence in Zimbabwe’s medicines regulatory system.
“Today we inaugurate the Board of the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe to give effect to the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act. You are not a ceremonial body. You are a statutory governance structure responsible for oversight, policy direction and accountability of this critical regulatory agency,” he said.
“Your functions are clear: set policy for medicines control, hear appeals, oversee finances, establish technical committees and submit annual reports on medicines safety. You must also oversee the Authority’s mandate to maintain the Medicines Register, license and inspect manufacturers and pharmacies, regulate clinical trials, and monitor the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines.”
Dr Mombeshora said government expects the new board to help Zimbabwe progress from WHO Maturity Level 3 to Level 4, which signifies a highly trusted and advanced medicines regulatory system recognised internationally.
“Zimbabwe has attained WHO Maturity Level 3. This means our regulatory system is stable and functional. Government now expects this Board to drive the Authority to Maturity Level 4, an excellent, trusted reference regulator for the region,” he said.
The minister outlined several immediate priorities for the board, including curbing the circulation of unregistered medicines, addressing the uncontrolled proliferation of pharmacies, and tackling the diversion of public medicines into the private sector.
“Your immediate priorities are to stop the circulation of unregistered medicines through intensified surveillance, address the uncontrolled proliferation of pharmacies and the diversion of public medicines into the private sector, enforce prescription regulations to combat antimicrobial resistance, and create a pathway for the regulation of traditional medicines,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora added that government was reviewing the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act to expand its scope to cover medical devices, strengthen pharmacovigilance systems, clarify traditional medicine regulation, and increase penalties for dealing in falsified medicines.
Taking over as board chairperson from retiring chairperson Dr Misheck Chiware is Dr Clifford Chiura.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Chiura thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Ministry of Health and Child Care for entrusting him with the role.
“I would like to sincerely thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Honourable Minister of Health and Child Care for the confidence and trust they have placed in me to serve this important national institution,” he said.
“The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe plays a critical role in safeguarding public health by ensuring that medicines and medical devices available on the market are safe, effective and of good quality. This responsibility is both noble and demanding, particularly in a rapidly evolving global health market.”
Dr Chiura also pledged to strengthen innovation, transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement within the authority.
“Together we will work to strengthen innovation, transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement, while ensuring that the authority continues to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of national health and development goals,” he said.
“On behalf of the board, I pledge our commitment to serve with integrity, diligence and patriotism in the interests of the people of Zimbabwe.”
Appointed vice chairperson of the board is Dr Emily Wonesai Waniwa.Retained board members are Dr Raiva Simbi and Mr Portifa Mwendera.
New members joining the board are Dr Tatenda Nyagura, Dr Brian Paketh, Mr Gerald Nyamutamba and Dr Godfrey Matsika.
Several members from the outgoing board were dropped from the new line-up, including Dr Clemence Duri, Dr Vimbayi Lynnet Makanza, Dr Susan Mutambu, Mrs Nancy Samuriwo and Mr Davison Nyasha Vuragu.
