MCAZ Participates in Global Campaign for Safer Use...

MCAZ Participates in Global Campaign for Safer Use of Medicines

Audrey Galawu

Assistant Editor

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe has joined a global initiative aimed at promoting the safer use of medicines. This marks the ninth #MedSafetyWeek, a campaign focused on minimizing side effects from medications by encouraging correct usage and reporting any adverse effects.

According to MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata, patient safety is the primary concern.

“Research shows that about half of all side effects are preventable. During #MedSafetyWeek, we want to remind patients to take their medicines as instructed and healthcare professionals to review therapies before prescribing,” he stated.

The campaign, running from November 4 to 10, includes 107 organisations across 94 countries. This year’s theme emphasises the importance of using medicines correctly to prevent side effects and the role of patients in reporting side effects when they occur.

"Patients play a crucial role in this initiative. By reporting suspected side effects to MCAZ or healthcare providers, they contribute to a global effort to make medicines safer," Rukwata added.

In Zimbabwe, #MedSafetyWeek will see collaboration between MCAZ and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, with support from other stakeholders. The public is encouraged to spread the message on social media using the campaign hashtag and by sharing educational posts from MCAZ and its partners.

MCAZ highlights that reporting systems are crucial for tracking and analyzing medicine safety. Reports from healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers help MCAZ determine necessary actions to protect users from harm.

Side effects in Zimbabwe can be reported via the MCAZ online platform at https://vigiflow-eforms.who-umc.org/zw/adr.

The #MedSafetyWeek campaign is part of a global movement to enhance the safety and efficacy of medicines, ultimately aiming to reduce preventable harm for patients around the world.