Illegal “Backyard Pharmacies” Flood Harare as Health Experts Warn of Public Health Risks

HARARE – Health experts have raised an alarm over the growing circulation of illegal herbal creams and unregulated medicines in Zimbabwe, warning that the surge in informal drug markets commonly known as “backyard pharmacies” poses serious risks to public health. Across Harare and other urban centres, unlicensed vendors are openly selling antibiotics, painkillers, skin-lightening creams, and herbal mixtures from homes, tuckshops, market stalls, and pavements. Authorities say some of the products being sold include restricted prescription drugs, often dispensed without medical oversight or regulatory approval.

Public health specialists warn that many of these medicines may be counterfeit, expired, or improperly stored, exposing consumers to severe health complications. Itai Rusike, Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), said the situation reflects a dangerous gap in healthcare access and regulation.

“The unregulated sale of medicines places patients at significant risk because there is no professional guidance on dosage, side effects or drug interactions,” Rusike said.

He added that many vendors lack medical training, while some products have not undergone scientific testing or clinical validation.

Medical practitioners say the use of unverified medicines can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and worsening health conditions. Johannes Marisa, president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe, warned that counterfeit drugs often create a false sense of recovery.

“Patients may believe they are getting better when in fact the underlying condition is worsening, leading to prolonged illness and, in some cases, death,” he said.

Health experts also caution that improper use of antibiotics sold on the streets could contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a growing global health threat.

Analysts say the rise in illegal medicine vending is partly driven by Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, which have made formal healthcare services unaffordable for many citizens. At the same time, high unemployment has pushed some individuals into informal pharmaceutical trading as a source of income. A Harare resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many people turn to street medicines out of necessity.

“Hospital fees are too high for some of us. People end up buying what they can afford, even if they are not sure it’s safe,” she said.

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has repeatedly warned that unregulated medicines can cause serious complications, including kidney and liver damage, high blood pressure, and even cancer in extreme cases. Experts say skin-lightening creams sold informally may contain harmful substances such as mercury or steroids, which can have long-term health effects.

In response to the growing threat, authorities have intensified enforcement measures, with offenders facing penalties of up to 20 years in prison under existing laws. However, health stakeholders argue that enforcement alone is not enough. Public health researcher Dr Nyasha Dube said awareness campaigns are critical.

“People need to understand the dangers of buying medicines from unregulated sources. Strengthening public education is just as important as enforcement,” she said.

As the informal drug market continues to expand, experts warn that failure to act decisively could lead to a wider public health crisis. They are calling for stronger regulation, improved access to affordable healthcare, and coordinated efforts between government agencies, health professionals, and communities to curb the spread of illegal medicines.

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