Richard Rukwata, MCAZ Director General
BY NYARADZO CHITUNGO
In a concerted effort to safeguard public health, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is lending its support to the 10th anniversary of #MedSafetyWeek campaign which runs from 3-9 November 2025.
#MedSafetyWeek is a global social media campaign that takes place annually, usually in November, with a different focus or theme each to encourage reporting of suspected side effects.
MCAZ Director-General, Richard Rukwata, encouraged patients, families, and healthcare professionals to report any suspected side effects.
“Medicines save lives and improve the health of millions of people globally. Sometimes they can also cause unintended side effects and when they do occur, regulators can take action to make medicines safer,” he said.
He highlighted reasons for not reporting side effects which include “not knowing it’s possible, not thinking it matters 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.”
MCAZ is one of the 130 organisations worldwide taking part in the #MedicalCampaign with this year’s theme being “We can all help make medicines safer.”
