The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and Zimbabwe’s Medicines Control Authority (MCAZ) have formalized a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in regulating medical products between the two neighboring countries. The announcement was made on Tuesday by ZAMRA Director General Makomani Siyanga.
This cooperation aims to enhance regulatory functions through joint efforts in key areas, including the detection and prevention of substandard and falsified medicines, which pose significant public health risks across the region. By pooling resources and expertise, ZAMRA and MCAZ intend to improve the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products available to their populations.
“The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) are pleased to announce this MoU as a critical step toward stronger regional collaboration,” Siyanga said. “Together, we will work to safeguard our communities from harmful medical products and improve regulatory oversight.”
The MoU outlines cooperation in information sharing, joint inspections, capacity building, and regulatory harmonization efforts. This partnership is expected to expedite the identification and removal of counterfeit medicines from markets, enhancing public trust in healthcare systems.
Health experts have welcomed the agreement, noting that cross-border collaboration is essential given the porous nature of regional trade routes that often facilitate the circulation of illicit medical products. The move aligns with broader efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to harmonize regulatory standards and promote access to safe medicines.
This alliance between ZAMRA and MCAZ signals a commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure through cooperation and shared responsibility. Both authorities are optimistic that the partnership will lead to more effective regulation, benefiting patients and healthcare providers in Zambia and Zimbabwe alike.
As the two regulators begin implementing the MoU, stakeholders anticipate improved monitoring and enforcement mechanisms that will curb the distribution of dangerous medicines and support the availability of quality medical products in the region.