Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has urged all citizens to take an active role in ensuring the safe use of medicines by reporting any suspected side effects.
This call comes as Zimbabwe joins the global #MedSafetyWeek campaign, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The campaign runs from 3 to 9 November 2025 and encourages everyone from patients and families to healthcare professionals to play a part in medicine safety
“Everyone has a role to play in medicine safety. By reporting suspected side effects, you and I can help make medicines safer for everyone,” said MCAZ Director-General, Richard Rukwata in a statement.
The MCAZ is one of 130 partner organisations worldwide participating in this year’s campaign, which is being conducted in 117 countries and shared in more than 60 languages.
Medicines are vital for saving lives and improving health, but they can sometimes cause unintended side effects. According to Rukwata, feedback from patients and healthcare providers is essential for regulators to identify potential safety issues early. However, research shows that only 5–10% of suspected side effects are ever reported.
“This means we often see only the tip of the iceberg and that it may take longer to identify important safety issues. By raising awareness through #MedSafetyWeek, we want more people to know that their report matters,” he said.
Common barriers to reporting include a lack of awareness that reporting is possible, a belief that the report will not make a difference, or simply forgetting to do so. The #MedSafetyWeek campaign, founded in 2016, aims to overcome these hurdles by clearly outlining the why, how, and where to report side effects.
Reinforcing the call for collective responsibility, Mr. Rukwata stated, “By reporting suspected side effects, you and I have the power to make medicines safer for everyone. Speaking up could help protect someone else. It’s not only doctors, pharmacists, or regulators; everyone has a role to play. That is a core message of this campaign: that medicine safety starts with you and me”
MCAZ is urging the public to help amplify the message during the week by using the #MedSafetyWeek hashtag and sharing social media posts from the Authority and other participating global organisation
