MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata
BY STAFF WRITER
Monday November 4 marked the launch of the ninth global #MedSafetyWeek campaign, where the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is one of 107 partner organisations.
#MedSafetyWeek is a global campaign running from 4 to 10 November, involving 107 organisations across 94 countries. This year’s theme centres on the importance of using medicines in the right way to prevent side effects, and to report side effects when they do occur.
Millions of people use medicines to treat their illness. However, sometimes medicines can cause side effects.
By using medicines correctly, we can drastically reduce the risk of side effects and severe harm.
And by reporting side effects when they occur, we can help make medicines safer for everyone.
“Research shows that about half of all side effects are preventable. “Patient safety is our top priority and during the #MedSafetyWeek campaign, we want to remind patients to take their medicines as instructed and healthcare professionals to review therapies before prescribing them,” says Mr Richard Rukwata MCAZ Director – General.
He added: “it is easy to think only scientists or healthcare professionals can make medicines safer.
“As a medicine user, you – the patient – play a crucial part. Every time you report a suspected side effect to the MCAZ or your healthcare provider, you help make medicines safer for patients all around the world.”
During #MedSafetyWeek 2024, everyone can help promote the campaign’s message by using the hashtag and sharing social media posts from the MCAZ and other participating organisations.
In Zimbabwe, the campaign will also involve the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other stakeholders.
Medicines regulators worldwide have reporting systems to monitor the safety of medicines. The purpose is to gain more knowledge about known side effects and to discover new ones. This can result in warnings and changes to how a medicine is used. In Zimbabwe, side effects can be reported by healthcare providers, as well as patients and/or their caregivers through https://vigiflow-eforms.who-umc.org/zw/adr.
All reports are assessed and examined by the Authority to determine the correct steps to protect medicine users in Zimbabwe from harm.
