MCAZ Unveils 2023 Report, Celebrates WHO Milestone...

MCAZ Unveils 2023 Report, Celebrates WHO Milestone and Public Health Advances

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe presented its 2023 Annual Report at its 5th Annual General Meeting held at the Holiday Inn, Harare. The event drew stakeholders from the healthcare sector, government officials, and industry representatives, all eager to review MCAZ's progress and contributions towards advancing public health and regulatory excellence in Zimbabwe.

The annual report underscored MCAZ’s pivotal role in ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and high-quality medicines across Zimbabwe. Guided by the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act, the authority aligns its work with the National Development Strategy 1 and the National Pharmaceutical Policy. This alignment reflects its commitment to delivering on key national health priorities while supporting local pharmaceutical development and regulation.

In his opening remarks, MCAZ Chairperson Dr. Misheck Chiware lauded the Authority's achievements, stating, “I am pleased to report that the authority has successfully facilitated the provision of safe, quality, and effective medicines, achieving our goals and executing our mandate.”

He extended gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Child Care and MCAZ’s strategic partners for their unwavering support in realising these objectives.

The event also marked a significant milestone for MCAZ’s 5-year strategic plan, which spans from 2022 to 2026. Dr. Chiware shared that MCAZ is working towards full automation of all its operations by 2026 to improve efficiency and regulatory oversight. Key advancements in the past year include a notable rise in the employee engagement index from 49% to 52%, and a reduction in the vacancy rate for critical roles from 12% to 7%, reinforcing the organization’s capacity to fulfill its mandate.

One of the report’s highlights was the progress towards attaining the World Health Organization’s Global Benchmarking Tool maturity level, a critical step in strengthening regulatory systems. MCAZ’s General Director, Mr. Richard T. Rukwara, confirmed that the authority’s microbiology laboratory is actively working towards WHO Prequalification Status, aiming to have its results recognized internationally.

The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Mombeshora, commended MCAZ’s efforts and the achievement of WHO GBT maturity level 3, emphasizing the importance of this milestone for Zimbabwe’s regulatory system.

“It is my honor and privilege to address you at this Annual General Meeting of MCAZ. This event provides an opportunity to reflect on the great strides we have made in ensuring the health and well-being of the nation,” he said.

“I am particularly proud to congratulate MCAZ on achieving the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool maturity level 3. This milestone demonstrates that Zimbabwe’s regulatory system for medicines and health products is now internationally recognized.”

Dr. Mombeshora also praised MCAZ’s involvement in addressing the national drug and substance abuse crisis, noting the Authority’s critical role in the National Drug and Substance Abuse Committee.

MCAZ has been instrumental in developing strategies to combat the illegal sale and misuse of controlled substances, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding public health amid a rising tide of substance abuse concerns.

As MCAZ continues on its trajectory towards full automation and enhanced regulatory capacity, it remains a cornerstone in Zimbabwe’s healthcare ecosystem. With a strengthened focus on local pharmaceutical production and the goal of positioning Zimbabwe as a net exporter of essential medicines, the Authority looks forward to further achievements under its strategic plan and ongoing collaboration with national and international partners.