The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has recalled a batch of YAZ PLUS contraceptive tablets due to a manufacturing mistake that could affect safety.
Richard Rukwata, MCAZ’s director-general, said the affected batch (WEW961J), made by Bayer in South Africa, had incorrect tablet arrangements.
Instead of 24 pink hormone tablets and 4 orange hormone-free tablets, some packs had 24 orange tablets and 4 pink tablets. Said Rukwata:
<blockquote>
This recall is a precautionary measure to protect public health. Non-compliance with product quality specifications can lead to a loss of efficacy and the affected contraceptive may not provide the intended protection. We urge all stakeholders to take immediate action.
</blockquote>
Rukwata urged wholesalers, pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals to isolate the affected batch and work closely with Bayer and local distributors.
He also advised consumers using the contraceptive to check the batch number on their packs. He said:
<blockquote>
If you find batch WEW961J, stop using it immediately, return it to your pharmacist, and consult a healthcare professional for alternatives.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The MCAZ in Zimbabwe recalled YAZ PLUS contraceptive tablets because some packs had the wrong tablets. Instead of pink and orange tablets in the right order, some packs had them mixed up. This mistake could make the contraceptive less effective. The director-general of MCAZ, Richard Rukwata, asked everyone who has this batch (WEW961J) to stop using it, return it, and talk to a healthcare professional. Pharmacies and clinics were also told to isolate this batch and work with the company to fix the problem. The recall is to protect people's health.

Batch Of Family Planning Pills Recalled In Zimbabwe Due Incorrect Tablet Arrangement

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care has said the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) is being underfunded by the Treasury, which is hindering its ability to fulfil its responsibilities.
During a SMART Advocacy workshop organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and ZNFPC, health portfolio committee chairperson Josiah Makombe said that there is a need for increased funding from the Treasury.
He warned that without this support, the country risks reversing the progress made in combating new HIV infections since 2000. Said Makombe (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034632/increase-budget-for-family-planning-services-mps">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
I was really touched when the presentation was done that only ZWL$100 000 was disbursed to the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council to do their job this year, which I think to me was not enough at all and also it was not fair, considering the amount of work that they do.
We understand we have the partners that come and chip in here and there, but if you look at the work that they do, for example, the issue of HIV prevention, if we don’t have measures to protect our people, in terms of condoms and all that, what it would then mean is that we will slide back to the years of 2000 and all that, where people will be affected now and then.
We need to make sure that we fund them, we need to make sure that we support them. So as we go to the budget season, as a committee, as the portfolio committee for health, we are going to make sure that we look into their needs.
</blockquote>
Makombe said there was a need to prioritise the health sector, especially maternal health services.
Clemence Chiduwa, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, and Investment Promotion, said that as the budget is debated on November 28, Members of Parliament will defend the position put forward by ZNFPC.
He said that they will advocate for the minimum 15% allocation required for family planning services.
The Abuja Declaration mandates that 15% of the national budget be allocated to health, with 3% specifically earmarked for family planning services. However, in the past, the Treasury has consistently fallen short of meeting this 15% target.
At the same event, ZNFPC Chief Executive Officer Farai Machinga expressed concern over the delayed disbursement of funds needed to address unmet needs for family planning services. Said Machinga:
<blockquote>
For the past five, six years ZNFPC has not been receiving capital grants from Treasury and of the operational grant which has been allocated to ZNFPC, not all the allocated budget has been disbursed.
In most cases, the disbursement is untimely and usually at the end of the year, which gives challenges in terms of the operations of the council and also effective implementation of its mandate which is on co-ordination, technical leadership and ensuring that there is provision of quality integrated service provision.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Parliament wants more money for family planning services. The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council is not getting enough money to do its job. Without more funding, progress in fighting HIV could be lost. The health sector, especially maternal health, needs more support. Parliament will fight for at least 15% of the budget for family planning services. The Council is not getting enough money on time, which makes it hard to work effectively. The government needs to give more money to help provide quality health services.

Parliamentary Committee Calls For Increased Funding For Family Planning Services

There is currently a short supply of contraceptives in the country, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care has revealed.
Committee chairperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ruth_Labode" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr Ruth Labode</a> expressed concern that the shortages may lead to a spike in cases of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions. She said:
<blockquote>Contraceptives are indeed in short supply and this is likely to increase teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
We get the larger supply of our contraceptives as a donation from UNFPA and the Zimbabwean government is expected to cover the gap.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, there are reports that some communities have resorted to unscientific methods of family planning such as the withdrawal method. Such methods are considered unsafe and ineffective.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zim-becomes-first-african-country-to-reach-family-planning-target/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

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