Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
DIRECT-to-consumer advertising for unapproved medicines has increased in Zimbabwe and is beginning to raise alarm with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) issuing a stern warning to the public, socialites, celebrities and influencers to desist from advertising medicines without written approval from the authority.
Under MCAZ guidelines, drug makers are supposed to provide a balanced view of drugs in advertising in terms of their risks and benefits. In addition, they are supposed to avoid any misleading information, for example, to overstate a drug’s benefits, misrepresent data from studies, or make claims that are not supported by adequate evidence.
Why is there a rise in illegal online sales and promotion of unapproved medicines in the country?
The rise of social media and greater internet access through smartphones is one of the main factors behind a huge rise in illicit sales of unapproved medicines in Zimbabwe. Illegal dealers now harness the power of social media to sell “lifestyle” drugs to the mass market at minimal risk and cost.
As at November 2024, the combined penetration rate for mobile phones and internet access in Zimbabwe surpassed the 70 percent mark, according to the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services. A Digital Report on Zimbabwe released in March 2025 shows that a total of 15,2 million cellular mobile connections were active in Zimbabwe in early 2025, with this figure equivalent to 90,6 percent of the total population.
In addition, there were 6,45 million individuals using the internet in Zimbabwe at the start of 2025, when online penetration stood at 38.4 percent. The country is home to 2,10 million social media user identities in January 2025, equating to 12.5 percent of the total population. This creates a fertile ground for the mass marketing of unapproved drugs online.
What kinds of unapproved drugs are sold on social media?
Illegal dealers who operate through websites and various social media platforms sell a variety of drugs that people might be reluctant to discuss with their GP or pharmacist, such as Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs, slimming pills, cough syrups, powerful painkillers, diabetes and hypertension (BP) drugs. In addition, there is the marketing of roots, sticks, tree bark and powders—unregulated traditional remedies as well as “cures” for various ailments, from sexually transmitted diseases to high blood pressure. Others peddle hair loss treatments, anabolic steroids for bodybuilders and cognitive enhancers, some of which have not been tested in humans.
Where do unapproved drugs come from?
Unapproved drugs come from many places both, local, regional and internationally through syndicates. They enter the country through porous borders and entry points.
Are the peddlers of unapproved drugs registered?
Many stores and individuals that sell drugs online are not registered. In 2022, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) shut down three pharmacies and cancelled licences for four managers who were selling expired and unregistered medicines to unsuspecting patients. In 2023, licences and permits for 17 pharmaceutical firms were revoked for pharmaceutical companies that were illegally trading in counterfeit and unregistered substances which fuelled rampant drug abuse in the country. MCAZ at times carries out sweeps in partnership with the police to rid the market of illegal drugs. This has led to the arrest and prosecution of some offenders selling drugs without a license, selling prescription-only drugs to people without prescriptions and selling unapproved drugs.
What is the risk of buying unapproved medicines?
Fake drugs put the lives of consumers in great danger due to the fact that they lack scientific basis. Health experts say counterfeit medicines put people’s lives at risk, finance criminal groups and cause profound public health challenges. The full scale of the challenge in Zimbabwe and most countries in Africa is not fully understood, but health experts suggest that the problem and its impact are severe. It is important to know and stick to the expiration date on medicine. Using expired medical products is risky and possibly harmful to one’s health. Once the expiration date has passed, health experts say, there is no guarantee that the medicine will be safe and effective. If the medicine has expired, it must not be used. It must be properly disposed of. Failing to safely dispose of old medications, especially opioids, all too often leads to dangerous drugs ending up in the wrong hands. Expired medicines are also not just a risk to the person they were prescribed for, but can injure children and pets if taken by mistake. Therefore, proper disposal of unneeded medicines is essential.
Who is responsible for the control of medicines in Zimbabwe?
MCAZ is responsible for protecting public and animal health by ensuring that accessible medicines, 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. MCAZ has reiterated its commitment to strengthen and enforce laws and regulations governing sales, marketing and manufacturing of medicines and medical devices.
Which laws does the increasing advertisement of medicines— including herbal and complementary medicines—without written approval from the Authority contravene?
It contravenes Section 40 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (Chapter 15:03) (hereinafter referred to as the Act) and Section 65 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control (General) Regulations, 1991, (S.I. 150 of 1991) (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations). Section 40 of the Act prohibits the publication or distribution of false or misleading advertisements for medicines, stipulating that those requiring professional direction for use may only be advertised in approved medical journals or to healthcare professionals.
Additionally, Section 65(1b) states that “No person shall advertise any other medicine without the approval of the Authority in writing” whilst Section 65(3) states that “No person shall advertise any medicine to members of the public in terms calculated to lead to its use for the treatment of human beings for any of the conditions set out in the Seventh Schedule.” Contravention of the above provisions is an offence which may attract penalties in terms of both the Act and the Regulations, according to the MCAZ.
What are some of the key warning signs that can help the public determine if an advertisement has been authorized or not by the MCAZ?
1. Medicines that have been approved for use typically display a unique registration number, which is assigned after evaluation of their safety and efficacy. Members of the public can easily verify this registration number by checking the medicines register on the MCAZ website.
2. Be cautious of advertisements making unrealistic claims, such as promises of instant results, 100% cure rates, or zero side effects, as these are often deceptive. Reliable advertisements should be informative, balanced, and up to date, with claims that can be substantiated.
3. Be cautious of advertisements that make unsubstantiated claims of being better than other brands, as these claims are often unfounded and misleading.
4. Prescription medicines should not be advertised for direct sale to the public. If an advertisement encourages buying a prescription medicine without consulting your medical practitioner, it is likely unapproved.
5. If one medicine claims to cure multiple diseases, from diabetes to cancer, it is likely a scam.
6. Advertisements that use language intended to create fear or distress should be treated with caution.
7. Advertisements for medicines in connection with any bonus offer or discount.
