By Ziyah News Network Reporter
Harare-In a major development that is testament to it’s commitment to quality, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has achieved a major milestone, attaining Maturity Level 3 (ML 3) for the regulation of medicines and vaccines, becoming one of only six African nations to reach this significant milestone. This achievement demonstrates the Authority’s and the resolve to maintaining the highest standards in public health protection through rigorous regulatory oversight.
The MCAZ Director-General, Mr. Richard Rukwata, praised the authority’s staff and stakeholders for their efforts, stating that this milestone reflects their dedication to safeguarding public health. He emphasized that MCAZ has a culture of excellence, demonstrated by its previous accolades, including ISO 17025 Accreditation, WHO prequalification, and designation as a Centre of Regulatory Excellence.
“The attainment of GBT ML 3 has been a strategic objective for us as a regulator, reflecting our dedication to safeguarding public health. This milestone demonstrates our capability to effectively regulate and monitor the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines, vaccines, and medical devices in Zimbabwe. It assures the public and our partners that Zimbabwe’s regulatory framework meets international standards. I commend the MCAZ Board and all our staff for their relentless efforts and commitment in achieving this goal. ” said Mr. Richard Rukwata, MCAZ Director-General.
The attainment of ML 3 signifies a stable, well-functioning, and integrated regulatory system, ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines and vaccines registered by the Authority. This status underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in public health protection.
The journey to ML 3 involved extensive reviews and enhancements of regulatory policies, procedures, and practices, focusing on strengthening pharmacovigilance, market surveillance, and regulatory inspections and enforcement mechanisms.
This achievement solidifies MCAZ’s position as a leader in regulatory excellence in Africa, demonstrating its capability to effectively regulate and monitor the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines, vaccines, and medical devices in Zimbabwe.