Harare, (New Ziana) –The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe will next week host a World Health Organization (WHO) Formal Benchmarking Mission that will be assessing the effectiveness of regulatory systems in the country.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) director general Richard Rukwata said this while addressing a press conference on Friday.
He said the mission to take place from April 27 to May 1, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to strengthen health systems in the country, adding the exercise will focus on ensuring that all medicines and medical products in Zimbabwe are safe, effective, and of assured quality.
“This is not merely an assessment exercise, it is a strategic partnership aimed at continuous improvement, global alignment, and ultimately, better health outcomes for the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Rukwata said the WHO benchmarking mission will reassess the medicines regulatory system in Zimbabwe, determine its current maturity level, and help update national plans to improve performance.
Zimbabwe has already achieved Maturity Level 3, and the country is now aiming for Level 4, the highest standard of regulatory excellence.
Rukwata said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2) and the vision to become an upper middle income society by 2030, both of which prioritize strong health systems and access to safe and affordable medicines.
He also pointed to the broader impact of a robust regulatory system, including protecting citizens from substandard and falsified medicines, improving access to life-saving treatments, and supporting local pharmaceutical innovation.
Rukwata called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, industry players, and the media, to support the process and underscored the role of the media in raising awareness and promoting transparency.
“The WHO Formal Benchmarking Mission represents a defining moment for Zimbabwe’s health regulatory system. It is a testament to our progress, a validation of our commitment, and a catalyst for even greater achievements,” he said.
The upcoming mission is expected to further strengthen the position of Zimbabwe as a regional leader in medicines regulation and contribute to improved health outcomes nationwide.
New Ziana
