Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa and Lynnet Khaka
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), with the support of UNICEF, has officially launched the implementation of a national Traceability and Verification System (TRVST) for medical products.
The move is seen as a decisive step in safeguarding public health and strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical sector.
Effectively, all medicines will carry unique identifiers and globally standardised linear compliant barcodes to enable real-time authentication and supply chain transparency.
During the sensitisation meeting held in Harare recently, MCAZ director general Mr Richard Rukwata emphasised that the initiative marks a shift from reactive to proactive regulation.
“In alignment with the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (Chapter 15:03) and its regulations, this meeting marks a significant milestone in our journey toward implementing a track and trace system for medical products in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Rukwata..
“This initiative is a cornerstone of our broader strategy to attain WHO Global Benchmarking Maturity Level 4, and to establish a robust, technology-driven market surveillance and control mechanism.”
Mr Rukwata said the introduction of the system represents a transformative shift in how medicines are monitored and verified.
“Through the use of electronic platforms, we will be able to scan and authenticate unique identification numbers and barcodes on medicine packaging—ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medicines reach our citizens,” he said.
“This system is a powerful tool in our fight against substandard and falsified medical products, which continue to pose a serious threat to public health.”
Beyond protecting patients from substandard and falsified medicines, the system is expected to enhance recall mechanisms, build consumer confidence, and position local manufacturers for regional and global competitiveness under the National Development
Strategy 2.
In this regard, MCAZ licensing and enforcement division head Mrs Caroline Dandira-Samatanga said this assurance of medicine quality directly supports NDS2’s goal of universal access to safe and effective healthcare.
“TRVST gives Zimbabwe a modern tool to fight substandard and falsified medicines by enabling real-time verification and tracking of medicines across the supply chain,” she said.
“Patients, pharmacists, and regulators can now authenticate products instantly, which safeguards public health and builds trust in the healthcare system.”
She added that the system reduces inefficiencies such as diversion, stock-outs, and wastage while strengthening regulatory oversight.
“It creates a transparent supply chain that supports both industrial growth and public sector accountability, reinforcing the NDS2 vision of a modernised, innovation-driven economy,” she said.
UNICEF Zimbabwe health officer Godfrey Muchapireyi expressed gratitude for the depth and quality of the initiative to exceed conventional expectations.
“By integrating thoughtful questions into the existing framework, we open up valuable opportunities to refine the system and enhance its rollout. This collaborative spirit is essential as we move forward,” he said.
