Harare, (New Ziana) – The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has warned against the increase in advertisements of unapproved medicines, particularly on social media.
In a statement on Wednesday, MCAZ said some celebrities and social media influencers have also been promoting these medicines on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter) without its written approval.
The MCAZ cited Sections 40 and 65 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, which prohibit the publication or distribution of false or misleading advertisements for medicines.
The Act stipulates that medicines requiring professional direction for use may only be advertised in approved medical journals or to healthcare professionals.
To assist the public in ascertaining whether an advertisement has been authorized, the MCAZ highlighted several key warning signs including a unique registration number, which can be verified on its website.
MCAZ warned that advertisements making promises of instant results, 100 percent cure rates, or zero side effects are often deceptive.
Additionally, advertisements claiming to be better than other brands without evidence are often unfounded and misleading.
Prescription medicines should not be advertised for direct sale to the public, and medicines claiming to cure multiple diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, are likely scams.
Advertisements using language intended to create fear or distress should be treated with caution, and those offering bonuses or discounts for medicines are suspicious.
The MCAZ said working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, it will take necessary measures, including prosecution, against those contravening these provisions.
It urged stakeholders to report cases of unapproved medicine advertisements to the Authority.
New Ziana
