By Cathleen Muchena
Harare/Lusaka – In a significant step toward improving healthcare standards in the region, the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in regulating medical products.
This new partnership aims to boost efforts in detecting substandard and falsified medicines, improving track-and-trace systems, and supporting emerging areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and vaccine and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production.
The MoU reflects a shared vision for public health advancement, ensuring citizens in both countries have access to safe, effective, and high-quality medical products.
It also lays the groundwork for stronger technical cooperation, including joint training, information exchange, mutual recognition of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections, and promoting pharmaceutical investment.
MCAZ Director-General Mr. Richard T. Rukwata praised the collaboration, calling it “a milestone in regional regulatory convergence,” adding that the partnership will bolster efforts to combat falsified medicines and improve public health outcomes.
ZAMRA Director-General Mr. Makomani Siyanga echoed the sentiment: “This MoU reflects our joint commitment to regulatory innovation and harmonization, ensuring that only quality-assured products reach our people.”
The agreement is valid for five years and may be renewed by mutual agreement. Both regulatory authorities reaffirmed their dedication to regulatory excellence, increased medicine access, and the broader goal of Universal Health Coverage across the region.
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