The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (the Authority) has noted with grave concern the resurgence of unauthorized advertisements relating to health, particularly traditional and herbal medicines, as well as faith-based or spiritual healing services, on broadcasting platforms.
Investigations indicate that some of these advertisements are being aired without the required approval from the Ministry of Health and Child Care. In addition, many of the claims made regarding the effectiveness of these medicines and healing services are unverified.
Reports further suggest that some consumers have suffered adverse effects and other forms of prejudice after using such products or services.
The Authority reminds all broadcasters that in terms of paragraph 6 of the Fifth Schedule to the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06] as read with section 23 of the Broadcasting Services (Code of Conduct for Broadcasters) Regulations, 2023 no advertisement relating to any medicine, whether traditional, herbal, or conventional; as well as spiritual or faith-based healing; may be aired without proof of approval by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
This requirement applies equally to all categories of medicines and is not intended to discriminate against traditional healing practitioners. Its purpose is to ensure that all health-related products and services advertised through broadcasting platforms meet national health and safety standards.
Licensed broadcasting service providers are hereby cautioned that failure to comply with these regulations constitutes a breach of the law and will result in the full application of statutory penalties.
For the avoidance of doubt, conventional, traditional, and herbal medicine practitioners, as well as faith-based or spiritual healers who wish to advertise their products or services, must first obtain the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Proof of such approval must be submitted to the relevant broadcaster before any advertisement is aired.
The Authority expects all broadcasters to exercise due diligence and to strictly uphold the law to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the broadcasting sector.