The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has urged patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected side effects of medicines, warning that unreported adverse reactions could compromise efforts to improve medicine safety.
The call comes as the authority joins the 2026 global #MedSafetyWeek campaign, running from November 2 to 8, under the theme, “Don’t ignore suspected side effects, report them”.
The campaign brings together 140 organisations from 130 countries to raise awareness about medicine safety through activities and communication in more than 60 languages.
In a statement issued on Monday, MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata said reports from patients and healthcare professionals were essential in helping regulators identify potential risks associated with medicines and protect public health.
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“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,” Rukwata said.
He explained that side effects could occur at different stages of treatment, including when patients start taking new medicines, change dosages or combine medicines with certain foods and herbal remedies.
Some reactions may develop suddenly, while others emerge gradually or after prolonged use. In some cases, side effects may go unnoticed and only be detected through medical tests.
Rukwata encouraged patients to read medicine information leaflets and consult healthcare professionals about possible side effects before and during treatment.
He urged members of the public to report unusual symptoms, particularly those that are serious, interfere with daily activities or are not listed in the medicine information leaflet.
Importantly, he said patients did not need to establish a definite link between a medicine and a suspected side effect before submitting a report.
“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 said.
He also encouraged individuals and organisations to participate in the awareness campaign through newsletters, websites, community activities and social media discussions using the hashtag #MedSafetyWeek.
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