Harare – The Medicines Control of Authority Zimbabwe (MACZ) on Wednesday has warned socialites, celebrities and influencers who advertise medicine that is not registered with them.
“The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has noted with concern the increasing advertisement of medicines—including herbal and complementary medicines—without written approval from the Authority. This trend is especially prevalent on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter) and includes
promotions by celebrities and social media influencers,” Richard Rukwata, the Director General of MCAZ said in a statement.
“The Authority, working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, will take necessary measures,
including prosecution, should anyone contravene these provisions. We urge members of the
public, socialites, celebrities, and influencers to desist from advertising medicines without
written approval from the MCAZ. The Authority encourages all stakeholders to report such
cases to the MCAZ.”
Rukwata urged ordinary people to 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.
He said fake medicines that are being advertised claim to heal many diseases
“If one medicine claims to cure multiple diseases, from diabetes to cancer, it is likely a scam,” Rukwata said.
“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.”
Urban centres in Zimbabwe are filled with people selling unregistered medicines on the streets including skin lightening creams and butt enlarging tablets for women.
Street vendors with hailers sell various medicines including those that they claim can cure cancer and diabetes.