Harare, (New Ziana) –A team of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) is in Zimbabwe for a comprehensive Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) inspection and audit of the pharmaceutical regulatory framework in the country.
The WHO delegation, which arrived on Tuesday, is being hosted by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) as part of critical steps towards strengthening the medicines regulatory systems in the country.
It is expected to conclude its mission on Friday after conducting a series of technical assessments and conducting observations.
The visit forms part of an ongoing collaboration between MCAZ and the WHO aimed at aligning the pharmaceutical regulatory framework in Zimbabwe with international best practices.
In a statement, MCAZ public relations and communications manager Davison Kaiyo said the ongoing assessment is a key preparatory exercise ahead of the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) Maturity Level 4 (ML4) evaluation scheduled for April 27 to May 1 this year.
“The observed audit is an important milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe’s regulatory systems, focusing on assessing the performance, competence, and effectiveness of MCAZ inspectors in conducting GMP inspections in line with international standards.
“The exercise also provides an opportunity to identify strengths and areas for further improvement as the Authority continues its journey toward regulatory excellence,” Kaiyo said.
He added that the presence of WHO experts on the ground not only enhances transparency in the evaluation process, but also allows for knowledge exchange and capacity building among local inspectors, ensuring that regulatory practices remain robust and responsive to emerging public health needs.
Kaiyo said the engagement underscores continued commitment MCAZ to safeguarding public health by ensuring that all medicines and medical products available in the country consistently meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
“The Authority appreciates the continued partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and reaffirms its commitment to building a strong, transparent, and internationally recognized regulatory system,” he said.
The forthcoming GBT assessment is expected to be a defining moment for the MCAZ, as the attainment of Maturity Level 4 status will place it among a select group of globally recognized regulatory bodies capable of ensuring stringent oversight of medical products.
New Ziana
