Online Reporter
Joshua Muswere
The newly appointed board of the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has been tasked with strengthening medicines regulation and steering the country towards the World Health Organisation’s highest regulatory maturity status following its inauguration by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora.
The board comprises Dr Clifford Chiura as chairperson and Dr Emily Wonesai Waniwa as vice-chairperson, together with six members: Dr Tatenda Nyagura, Dr Brian Paketh, Mr Gerald Nyamutamba, Dr Godfrey Matsika, Mr Portifa Mwendera and Dr Raiva Simbi.
The board’s tenure runs from May 8, 2026, to May 8, 2030.
Minister Mombeshora said the ministry would appoint four additional members to complete the board’s full composition.
Officiating at the inauguration, the minister underscored the gravity of the board’s statutory responsibilities, reminding members that they are not a ceremonial body but the statutory governance structure responsible for oversight, policy direction and accountability of the critical regulatory agency.
“Today we inaugurate the Board of the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe to give effect to the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act. You are not a ceremonial body.
“You are a statutory governance structure responsible for oversight, policy direction and accountability of this critical regulatory agency,” he said.
“Your functions are clear: set policy for medicines control, hear appeals, oversee finances, establish technical committees and submit annual reports on medicines safety.
“You must also oversee the Authority’s mandate to maintain the Medicines Register, license and inspect manufacturers and pharmacies, regulate clinical trials, and monitor the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines.”
The minister noted that Zimbabwe has attained World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level 3, signifying a stable and functional regulatory system, and challenged the board to drive the authority to WHO Maturity Level 4, positioning MCAZ as a trusted reference regulator for the region.
This follows a recent assessment by the WHO African Region.
Minister Mombeshora outlined immediate priorities for the board, including curbing the circulation of unregistered medicines through intensified surveillance, addressing the uncontrolled proliferation of pharmacies and diversion of public medicines into the private sector, enforcing prescription regulations to combat antimicrobial resistance, countering falsified medicines through robust post-market surveillance, and creating a practical pathway for regulating traditional medicines.
He also informed stakeholders that Government is reviewing the Act to cover medical devices, increase penalties for falsified medicines, clarify the regulation of traditional medicines and strengthen pharmacovigilance.
In his acceptance speech, board chairperson Dr Chiura expressed gratitude to the President and the minister for the confidence placed in him and his fellow board members.
He acknowledged the importance of the authority’s mandate, saying MCAZ plays a critical role in safeguarding public health by ensuring that medicines and medical devices available on the market are safe, effective and of good quality.
“As the newly appointed Board, we are committed to providing strategic oversight, promoting good corporate governance, strengthening regulatory excellence, and supporting management in advancing the Authority’s mandate.
“We fully appreciate the significance of maintaining public confidence in the national medicines regulatory system.”
Dr Chiura also paid tribute to MCAZ management and staff for their dedication and professionalism, which have positioned the authority among the leading regulatory institutions on the African continent.
“On behalf of the Board, I pledge our commitment to serve with integrity, diligence, and patriotism in the interest of the people of Zimbabwe.”
The MCAZ said it looks forward to a productive and impactful term under the new board, which has been tasked with strengthening medicines control and driving Zimbabwe’s progression from WHO Maturity Level 3 to Level 4, a status that signifies a highly trusted and advanced medicines regulatory system recognised internationally.
The board is also expected to play a critical governance role in safeguarding public health and strengthening confidence in Zimbabwe’s medicines regulatory system.
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