Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
HEALTH authorities in Manicaland have launched a sweeping operation against illegal backyard contraceptive and family planning clinics, warning that unlicensed operators are endangering women’s lives and undermining Government efforts to deliver safe, regulated reproductive health services.
Officials say the trade in unregistered contraceptives exposes women to unsafe, ineffective, or counterfeit products — with risks including infertility, infections, and unintended pregnancies.
Beyond the immediate dangers, the practice erodes public trust in the health system, fuels preventable illness, strains medical resources, and jeopardises national family planning goals.
Women are being urged to seek services only from trained professionals — pharmacists, clinicians, and community based distributors (CBDs) — who are equipped to handle and store genuine medicines properly.
Family planning remains a cornerstone of public health, safeguarding maternal and child wellbeing, reducing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, empowering women socially and economically, and supporting sustainable population growth.
Although arrest figures were not available at the time of publication, The Manica Post understands the crackdown is in full swing, with reports that the illegal trade remains rampant.
Some contraceptives are allegedly being smuggled from Mozambique and Zambia under unhygienic conditions, severely compromising safety and placing users at grave risk.
In a sting operation, undercover police officers recently arrested Fungai Manyau (50) and his wife, Maria Zimba (37), for selling unregistered medicines.
The couple pleaded guilty to violating the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (Chapter 15:03), which prohibits and criminalises the sale of unregistered pharmaceuticals.
Nyanga magistrate, Ms Notebulgar Muchineripi, convicted and fined the pair US$450, payable by May 30, and also imposed a six-month jail sentence, wholly suspended for five years on condition that they do not commit a similar offence.
Against this backdrop, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council provincial spokesperson, Mr Daniel Maromo declared war on the proliferation of backyard clinics, describing the practice as both illegal and dangerous.
He said it compromises the quality and effectiveness of contraceptives and put unsuspecting women’s lives at risk.
Mr Maromo said such cases are becoming increasingly common, and called for a decisive clampdown on illegal pharmaceutical activities, arguing that unregistered contraceptives are being sold from street corners, shops, ghettos and other informal settlements.
Mr Maromo said improper storage exposes unregistered contraceptives to heat, moisture and light, accelerating chemical degradation of active ingredients.
This loss of potency renders drugs ineffective, increases health risks and failure rates, and undermines patient safety, he warned, urging the public to use only authorised providers.
“We are seeing a growing number of arrests involving people selling unregistered medicines, including contraceptives. Law enforcement agencies are working closely with health regulators to bring offenders to justice,” said Mr Maromo, insisting that selling medicines without proper registration is a criminal offence, carrying the risk of heavy fines or imprisonment.
“A legitimate seller must be registered with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe. If they cannot prove this, they are operating illegally. Our community-based distributors (CBDs) carry official tags issued by ZNFPC. Do not buy medicines from anyone.
“Family planning is a cornerstone of public health. When people resort to ineffective or unsafe methods, the impact extends beyond individuals to entire communities. We see higher rates of unplanned pregnancies, increased pressure on health services and greater risks for mothers and children,” he said.
Mr Maromo added that the proliferation of unregistered sellers is, not only unlawful, but dangerous, as it compromises the quality and effectiveness of contraceptives.
“There are designated channels for distributing family planning services and contraceptives — clinics, pharmacies and trained community-based distributors. Bypassing these systems and buying from unregistered individuals puts health at risk. CBDs play a vital role in delivering short-term contraceptives at household level. They are trained, monitored and operate within public health standards. They are present in our communities, and people should not fall prey to backyard contraceptive operators. Imagine contraceptive pills stored in direct sunlight or in hot, unventilated spaces. The chemical components degrade, rendering the product ineffective. That is how people end up with unplanned pregnancies despite believing they are protected,” he said, adding that beyond reduced potency, there is also the risk of counterfeit or expired medicines entering the market through informal channels.
“You cannot verify the source of these products. Some may be expired, others counterfeit, and some may not be what they claim to be. This exposes unsuspecting users to side effects, treatment failure and long-term health complications,” he said, urging the public to take responsibility for their health by making informed choices about where they obtain contraceptives.
“Seek family planning services at recognised health institutions, pharmacies or Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council clinics. You can also access services through trained community-based distributors in your communities,” he said.
Mr Maromo warned that buying from street vendors or backyard operations may seem convenient or cheaper, but the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.
“It may appear affordable, but the cost of failure is much higher. An unplanned pregnancy, health complications or ineffective treatment can have lasting consequences. When it comes to medicines — especially contraceptives — there are no shortcuts,” he said.
