BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA), which will enhance collaborations in the field of medical products regulation, fostering mutual benefit and the sharing of expertise.
Richard Rukwata, MCAZ Director General and Dr Seima Dijeng, BoMRA Chief Executive Officer, signed the MoU on behalf of both institutions at an event on Wednesday.
The initial MoU was signed on November 23, 2020 and was for three years.
“This renewed partnership underscores the commitment of both regulatory authorities to enhance collaboration in the field of medical products regulation, fostering mutual benefit and the sharing of expertise.
“The primary objective of the MoU is to promote and develop cooperation in medical products regulatory functions within Zimbabwe and Botswana.
“The partnership will enable both authorities to collaborate on a wide range of activities, including the regulation of medical devices, detection of substandard and falsified medicines, and the advancement of biotechnology and vaccine production.
“This collaboration will facilitate the exchange of information, support capacity-building initiatives, and foster mutual understanding of each party’s regulatory standards.
“It also aligns with our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical products in our respective countries,” said Rukwata.
He added: “MCAZ and BoMRA are committed to working together to achieve these objectives, which will not only strengthen our regulatory frameworks but also contribute to the protection of public health in the region.”
Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, The Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA) [Chapter 15.03].
MCAZ is responsible for protecting public and animal health by ensuring that accessible medicines and allied substances and medical devices are safe, effective and of good quality through enforcement and adherence to standards by manufacturers and distributors.
The mandate of MCAZ is to protect public health ensuring that medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective, and of good quality.
