Staff Reporter
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued a stern warning against the unauthorised advertisement of medicines, including herbal and complementary products, particularly on social media platforms, in a bid to curb misleading claims and protect public health.
In a media release issued yesterday, the regulatory body highlighted a surge in promotions by celebrities and influencers on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and X, which violate national medicines laws and risk public safety.
Citing Sections 40 and 65 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, the MCAZ stressed that advertising medicines without prior written approval is illegal.
This includes promotions that target the public for conditions listed in the Act’s Seventh Schedule or those requiring professional medical oversight.
“No person shall advertise any medicine to members of the public in terms calculated to lead to its use for the treatment of human beings for any of the conditions set out in the Seventh Schedule,” the release stated.
The authority outlined red flags for identifying unauthorised adverts, such as lack of a unique MCAZ registration number, unrealistic claims of “instant cures” or “zero side effects,” and promotions offering prescription medicines directly to consumers without a doctor’s consultation.
Adverts claiming a single product can treat multiple ailments—from diabetes to cancer—or those using fear-based language and discount offers were also flagged as likely scams.
“Reliable advertisements should be informative, balanced, and substantiated,” the MCAZ emphasised, urging the public to verify registration numbers on its website.
MCAZ Director-General, Richard T. Rukwata, also warned that the authority, alongside the Zimbabwe Republic Police, would pursue legal action against offenders.
"We urge members of the public, socialites, celebrities, and influencers to desist from advertising medicines without written approval,” he said.
The crackdown underscores growing concerns over unregulated drug advertising in the digital age, where influencers often bypass traditional regulatory checks.
The MCAZ reiterated its mandate to ensure all medicines in Zimbabwe meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards, stressing that non-compliance jeopardises public health.
