By a Special Correspondent
The Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has banned all advertisements promoting the use of medicines intended to reduce or stop alcohol consumption.
The medicines named in the ban are Naltrexone, Acamprosate and Disulfiram.
According to a public notice issued today, September 27, 2026, by the TMDA Director General, Dr. Adam Fimbo, the Authority has established that some media outlets and social media platforms have been running advertisements for the medicines, which are legally classified as Prescription-Only Medicines (POM).
The practice is contrary to the Medicines Classification Regulations of 2026, Government Notice No. 150.
TMDA said that using these medicines without the advice of a healthcare professional may result in serious adverse effects, including death, particularly when they are used together with alcohol or other medicines.
“Section 52 of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act, Cap. 219, prohibits the advertising to the public of any medicine that is supplied on prescription.
“Such medicines may only be advertised to healthcare professionals through professional journals,” part of the notice reads.
Following this, TMDA has directed traders, healthcare providers, media owners and social media operators to immediately stop preparing, broadcasting and publishing advertisements for the medicines.
The public has also been urged to report individuals, facilities or media outlets found advertising the medicines through TMDA offices located in various parts of the country.
Chapisha Maoni