Zimbabwean MPs have raised concerns about the widespread use of skin-lightening creams by both men and women, and are calling for tougher laws to stop these products being brought into the country.
On Wednesday, Parliament discussed possible changes to the law around the import, sale, and distribution of skin-lightening products. The debate was sparked by Harare East MP Kiven Mutimbanyoka.
Midlands MP Perseviarance Zhou urged the Ministry of Health and Childcare to raise public awareness about the health risks linked to using these creams. Said Zhou:
I’m imploring this august house to come up with a very concrete programme together with the ministry of health to teach people about the dangers of using lightening creams. The education must include both men and women.
Zhou said many of these unapproved products contain dangerous substances like mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids, which can cause serious health problems such as liver and kidney damage, nerve issues, and a higher risk of skin cancer. She added:
From my research, the use of these creams is dangerous, especially for women. It can cause permanent complications, particularly when one wants to conceive.
The danger of using lightening creams is that when someone is hurt and there is need for stitching, the skin will now be too delicate.
Murehwa North MP Noah Mangondo said that the easy access to unregulated skin-lightening products, which often contain harmful substances like mercury, is a serious risk to public health. Said Mangondo:
Although Zimbabwe does have regulatory measures in place such as those articulated in Statutory Instrument 216 of 2019, harmful creams continue to find their way into both formal retail spaces and restrictions enforced by law enforcement remains weak.
This points to a need for stronger inter-agency coordination between ZIMRA, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure that prohibited products do not reach consumers.
However, Daniel Molokele-Tsiye, the MP for Hwange Central, took a different view. He warned against rushing to ban skin-lightening products outright, saying it’s also important to understand the reasons why people use them.
He suggested that the issue goes beyond health risks and involves deeper social and cultural factors, such as beauty standards and self-image. Said Molokele-Tsiye:
I want to encourage us to be very careful and as a country, we need to listen more to those who are doing the skin lightening or skin bleaching.
We need to go into their psyche and understand what message they are trying to bring to the society. We should not make assumptions about their behaviour and conduct. We must respect their rights.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has not approved or registered most of the skin-lightening products currently being used in the country.
The authority has specifically warned against the use of oral and injectable glutathione, as well as injectable vitamins, saying they are not approved and could cause serious health problems.
These include liver and kidney damage, nerve issues, severe skin reactions, and even the risk of spreading infections like HIV and hepatitis.
More: ZimLive
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