Zimbabwe's backyard pharmacies boom as economic crisis bites

Health experts have raised alarm over the growing circulation of illegal herbal creams and unregulated medicines being sold openly on the streets of Harare and other parts of Zimbabwe, warning that the trend poses serious risks to public health.

The proliferation of informal drug outlets - commonly referred to as "backyard pharmacies" - has surged in recent years, with vendors operating from residential homes, market stalls, tuckshops, and even makeshift setups on pavements in busy urban areas.

These unlicensed outlets reportedly sell a wide range of products including antibiotics, painkillers, skin-lightening creams, herbal mixtures, and in some cases restricted prescription drugs, often without any medical oversight or regulatory approval.

Public health experts warn that many of these products may be counterfeit, expired, improperly stored, or falsely labelled, exposing consumers to potentially life-threatening consequences.

Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), Itai Rusike, said the unregulated trade in medicines is placing patients at significant risk due to the absence of proper guidance and professional oversight.

He noted that many users are not given correct dosage instructions or adequate information on drug use, while the individuals dispensing the medicines are not accredited health professionals.

Rusike also warned that the lack of scientific testing and clinical validation for many of the products being sold leaves consumers vulnerable to ineffective or dangerous treatments.

Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe president Johannes Marisa echoed these concerns, warning that counterfeit medicines can create a false sense of recovery while allowing illnesses to worsen unchecked.

He said such practices contribute to prolonged infections and increased rates of morbidity and mortality.

Health authorities say the rise of illegal medicine vending has been driven in part by economic challenges, which have made formal healthcare services unaffordable for many citizens, while also pushing unemployed individuals into informal pharmaceutical trading.

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has repeatedly warned that unregulated medicines can cause severe health complications, including kidney and liver damage, hypertension, and even cancer in extreme cases.

In response to the growing threat, the government has tightened enforcement measures, with penalties for offenders now reaching up to 20 years in prison under existing legislation.

Despite these measures, health experts continue to call for stronger enforcement and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of illegal medicines and protect public health.