Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE has joined a select group of nations recognised for having a well-functioning and internationally trusted regulatory system, following the attainment of the Medicine Regulatory System Maturity Level 3 (MW3) status by the Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ).
The milestone, announced at the authority’s 7th annual general meeting on Friday, positions the country as a regional and global centre of regulatory excellence in medicines, vaccines, and medical products.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Pharmacy Services deputy director Dr Bonfire Machingauta, Minister Douglas Mombeshora said the recognition is not only to strengthen public confidence in the safety and quality of health products but also paves the way for Zimbabwe’s deeper integration into global health systems.
“Cabinet has already approved principles to amend the Medicines and Health Control Act, reforms expected to modernise the legal framework, enhance enforcement powers, and align national standards with international best practices.
“This recognition confirms that our national regulatory system is well-functioning, stable and internationally trusted,” said Minister Mombeshora.
He said that these reforms will modernise the legal and regulatory framework, strengthen enforcement powers, combat the scourge of falsified, and ensure full alignment with global best practises.
“Innovation is at the heart of this movement, and I am glad that it is one of the key values of tourism,” he said.
“Zimbabwe has embraced artificial intelligence and is steadily advancing towards full coordination.”
Authority chairperson Dr Misheck Chiware said operationally, MCAZ achieved notable progress in streamlining medicine registration timelines.
“It achieved notable progress in intensifying inspections and enforcement actions, and enhancing post-market surveillance,” said Mr Chiware..
“These initiatives directly translated into greater public confidence, improved access to quality-assured medicines, and a stronger alignment with national health priorities under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
