MCAZ LAUNCHES SEVENTH ANNUAL MEDICINE SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Laura Maposa

THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has launched its seventh annual #MedSafetyWeek.

It runs until November 13.

The campaign is meant to encourage everyone to report suspected side effects of medicines.

This year’s global campaign involves medicines regulators from 81 countries.

It focuses on the key role of every healthcare professional, patient, and carer, who reports suspected side effects and contributes to using medicines safely.

The Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials Division (PVCT), which is the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, under the MCAZ, collects, organises and investigates reports of suspected side effects.

MCAZ public relations officer, Davison Kaiyo, said every report made by a patient, a healthcare professional or a carer, plays a key role in gaining more knowledge about the benefits, and risks of medicines, in clinical use and allows action to be taken to minimise risks. “Reporting suspected side effects to the MCAZ helps to improve the safety of medicines for all patients and, in some cases, can result in better tailored prescribing advice, which can improve patient outcomes.

“Anyone can report suspected side effects to the MCAZ.

“By reporting suspected side effects to the MCAZ, you are actively participating in identifying emerging safety issues so that the MCAZ can take action when necessary and protect you and others from harm.”