IBA, ZAMRA advises against airing of unapproved medical products

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), in collaboration with key public health stakeholders, has issued a stern warning to radio and television broadcasting stations across the country regarding the proliferation of unverified spiritual, traditional, cultural, and medical claims. Regulatory authorities have noted with growing concern that numerous media outlets are increasingly commercializing their airtime by hosting individuals and entities peddling unverified health cures, concoctions, and miracle treatments without proper statutory validation. This practice not only violates broadcasting codes but also exposes vulnerable citizens to serious health risks under the guise of alternative healing. At the center of this regulatory push is the need to safeguard public welfare against deceptive commercial programming. Many electronic media outlets, often struggling with operational revenues, have turned to selling airtime to self-proclaimed prophets, traditional healers, and unregistered vendors who market uncertified herbal mixtures and medical devices. These broadcasts frequently promise miraculous cures for chronic and terminal illnesses, prompting desperate patients to abandon orthodox medical treatments in favor of unscientific and potentially toxic remedies. Zambia's regulatory framework, encompassing both the IBA Act and regulations enforced by bodies like the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), strictly prohibits the advertising and distribution of unregistered medical and allied substances. Officials have stressed that broadcasters bear a legal and moral obligation to verify the authenticity and marketing authorization of any health-related product or claim before allowing it onto the public airwaves. Failure to exercise due diligence compromises public health safety standards and undermines the integrity of the national media landscape. In response to these directives, industry stakeholders are calling for heightened self-regulation and ri