Crackdown on backyard contraceptive clinics

Health authorities in Manicaland have launched a major crackdown on illegal backyard contraceptive and family planning clinics, warning that unlicensed operators are placing women's lives at risk and undermining regulated reproductive health services.

Officials say the growing trade in unregistered contraceptives exposes women to unsafe, counterfeit or ineffective products that could lead to infertility, infections and unintended pregnancies.

Authorities further warned that the illegal sale of contraceptives weakens public confidence in the healthcare system, increases preventable illness, strains medical services and threatens national family planning objectives.

Women have been urged to seek family planning services only from trained professionals such as pharmacists, clinicians and authorised community-based distributors (CBDs), who are properly equipped to handle and store approved medicines.

Although authorities did not disclose the number of arrests made so far, indications are that the operation is intensifying amid reports that illegal contraceptive sales remain widespread across the province.

Some of the products are allegedly being smuggled from Mozambique and Zambia under unsafe and unhygienic conditions, raising fears over their safety and effectiveness.

In one recent sting operation, undercover police officers arrested Fungai Manyau and his wife Maria Zimba for selling unregistered medicines.

The couple pleaded guilty to contravening the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, which criminalises the sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products.

Notebulgar Muchineripi convicted the pair and fined them US$450, payable by May 30. She also imposed a six-month prison sentence wholly suspended for five years on condition they do not commit a similar offence.

Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council provincial spokesperson Daniel Maromo described the proliferation of backyard clinics as both illegal and dangerous.

"We are seeing a growing number of arrests involving people selling unregistered medicines, including contraceptives. Law enforcement agencies are working closely with health regulators to bring offenders to justice," he said.

Mr Maromo warned that improper storage conditions such as heat, moisture and direct sunlight accelerate the degradation of contraceptive products, reducing their effectiveness and increasing health risks.

"A legitimate seller must be registered with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe. If they cannot prove this, they are operating illegally," he said.

"Our community-based distributors carry official tags issued by ZNFPC. Do not buy medicines from anyone."

He stressed that family planning remains central to public health because it helps reduce unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal health complications while supporting women's social and economic wellbeing.

"Family planning is a cornerstone of public health. When people resort to ineffective or unsafe methods, the impact extends beyond individuals to entire communities," Mr Maromo said.

"We see higher rates of unplanned pregnancies, increased pressure on health services and greater risks for mothers and children."

Mr Maromo said authorised distribution systems — including clinics, pharmacies and trained community-based distributors — exist to ensure contraceptives remain safe and effective.

"There are designated channels for distributing family planning services and contraceptives. Bypassing these systems and buying from unregistered individuals puts health at risk," he said.

He warned that some products circulating on the informal market could be counterfeit, expired or improperly stored.

"You cannot verify the source of these products. Some may be expired, others counterfeit, and some may not be what they claim to be," he said.

"This exposes unsuspecting users to side effects, treatment failure and long-term health complications."

Mr Maromo urged members of the public to obtain contraceptives only from recognised health institutions, pharmacies, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council clinics and trained community-based distributors.

"Buying from street vendors or backyard operations may seem convenient or cheaper, but the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits," he said.

"When it comes to medicines — especially contraceptives — there are no shortcuts."