Zimbabwe Joins Global Campaign to Promote Safer Use of Medicines

By Edward Makuzva

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has joined over 130 partner organisations worldwide in marking the 10th anniversary of the #MedSafetyWeek campaign, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the safe use of medicines and the importance of reporting side effects.

Running from 3 to 9 November 2025, this year’s campaign carries a simple but powerful message: “Everyone has a role to play in medicine safety.”

Patients, families, and healthcare professionals are being urged to report any suspected side effects from medicines because every report can help make medicines safer for others.

“Medicines save lives and improve health across the world, but sometimes they can cause unintended side effects,” said MCAZ Director-General Mr. Richard Tendayi Rukwata. “By reporting suspected side effects, regulators can act faster to protect patients and ensure medicines remain safe and effective.”

Research shows that only about 5–10% of all suspected side effects are ever reporte

This means health authorities often have limited data when monitoring medicine safety. “We only see the tip of the iceberg,” explained Mr. Rukwata.

“By raising awareness through #MedSafetyWeek, we hope more people will understand that their report truly matters.”

The #MedSafetyWeek campaign was launched in 2016 to educate the public on why, how, and where to report side effects.

Over the years, it has grown into a global movement involving regulatory authorities, health professionals, and patients in over 117 countries, communicating in more than 60 languages.

In Zimbabwe, MCAZ is using social media and community outreach to encourage people to participate in this year’s milestone campaign.

“By reporting suspected side effects, you and I have the power to make medicines safer for everyone,” said Mr. Rukwata.

“Medicine safety starts with you and me; it’s not just for doctors, pharmacists, or regulators.”

From 3–9 November, Zimbabweans are encouraged to engage with the campaign by following and sharing posts featuring the #MedSafetyWeek hashtag, helping spread the message that reporting saves lives.