By Kevin Tafara
HARARE-THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has urged members of the public and healthcare professionals to report suspected side effects associated with medicines as part of a global campaign aimed at strengthening patient safety.
The appeal comes as Zimbabwe joins the 2026 #MedSafetyWeek campaign, running from November 2 to 8 under the theme, “Don’t ignore suspected side effects, report them.”
In a statement, MCAZ Director-General Richard T. Rukwata said reporting suspected adverse reactions was essential in helping regulatory authorities monitor the safety of medicines and prevent potential harm to other patients.
“Reports from the public and healthcare professionals have a vital role in helping us monitor the safety of medicines. Every report adds to our understanding about patient safety and can help protect others from future harm,” said Rukwata.
The Authority noted that although medicines play a critical role in treating illnesses, preventing diseases and improving quality of life, they can sometimes cause unintended side effects.
These reactions may occur suddenly, develop gradually or remain unnoticed until detected through medical tests.
MCAZ said patients could be more likely to experience side effects when starting a new medicine, changing a dosage or combining medicines with other treatments, certain foods or herbal remedies.
The public has therefore been encouraged to read medicine information leaflets and discuss possible side effects with healthcare professionals.
The Authority emphasised that patients do not need to be certain that a particular medicine caused a symptom before reporting it.
It urged people to report suspected reactions, particularly where symptoms are serious, interfere with daily activities or are not listed in the medicine’s accompanying information leaflet.
“Reporting suspected side effects may seem like a small action, but it helps to make medicines safer for everyone. If you suspect a side effect, don’t ignore it — report it!” Rukwata added.
The 2026 campaign is being led by the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring.
This year’s campaign is the largest since its inception, bringing together 140 organisations from 130 countries, with awareness messages being shared in more than 60 languages.
It is also supported by the WHO and the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA).
MCAZ said Zimbabwe’s participation was part of broader efforts to promote a culture of medicine safety by encouraging patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals to actively participate in monitoring adverse drug reactions.
How to report suspected side effects
MCAZ, which also serves as Zimbabwe’s National Pharmacovigilance Centre, said suspected medicine-related side effects could be reported through several channels.
Members of the public can report through their healthcare professionals or use the WHO VigiMobile electronic reporting platforms:
Medicines: https://vigiflow-eforms.who-umc.org/zw/adr
Vaccines: https://vigiflow-eforms.who-umc.org/zwaefi/aefi
Reports can also be submitted through the following channels:
Email: mcaz@mcaz.co.zw or pvct@mcaz.co.zw
WhatsApp: 0718 855 934
Telephone: +263 242 736981/5; 708255; 792165 or +263 772 145 191/2/3.
Toll-free: Econet 08080641 or TelOne 08004507.
Paper reporting forms are available at MCAZ offices, hospitals and clinics. Members of the public can also visit the Authority’s offices at 106 Baines Avenue in Harare.
The Authority, which has attained WHO Maturity Level 3 regulatory status, clarified that it does not provide medical advice.
Patients experiencing symptoms or concerned about their health have been advised to seek assistance from qualified healthcare professionals.
MCAZ is encouraging Zimbabweans to participate in the campaign through online engagements and local awareness activities using the hashtag #MedSafetyWeek.