The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has urged the public, including patients, families, and healthcare professionals, to report any suspected side effects of medicines, saying such reports can help protect others.
The call comes as part of this year’s #MedSafetyWeek campaign, which runs from 3 to 9 November 2025. MCAZ said:
“Medicines save lives and improve the health of millions of people globally. Sometimes they can also cause unintended side effects.
“By reporting suspected side effects when they do occur, regulators can take action to make medicines safer.
“Regulatory agencies around the world, such as the MCAZ, use reports from patients and healthcare professionals to monitor the safety of medicines and respond to any potential risks.
“Unfortunately, research indicates that only about 5–10% of all suspected side effects are reported.
MCAZ Director-General Richard Tendayi Rukwata explained that this means reported cases likely represent just the tip of the iceberg, and it may take longer to identify significant safety issues.
He added that common reasons for not reporting suspected side effects include a lack of awareness that it is possible, underestimating its importance, or simply forgetting.
“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,” he said.
Source: ZimNews
