Story by Peter Chivhima
THE National Assembly resumed sittings this Tuesday, with lawmakers raising alarm over the widespread use of skin-lightening creams, citing serious health risks associated with these products.
The creams, widely available on nearly every street corner in Harare and other urban centres, are often sold without proper oversight or approval.
It is against this background that legislators are pushing for stricter penalties on peddlers of such products.
“These unapproved products often contain harmful substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids, which can lead to severe health issues, including liver and kidney damage, nervous system disorders, and increased risk of skin cancer,” a legislator stated.
“From my research, the use of these creams is dangerous, especially for women. It can cause permanent complications, particularly when one wants to conceive,” another added.
Some are calling for aggressive public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers associated with these products.
“We need to approach the issue wisely, but most importantly there is need for us to raise awareness about the dangers associated with these products,” a legislator noted.
While the debate continues, it has emerged that many of the skin-lightening products being used locally are neither tested nor approved by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.
