Check the licence first

Every African market has a regulator that registers pharmacies: the PPB in Kenya, PCN in Nigeria, NDA in Uganda, SAPC in South Africa, EFDA in Ethiopia, TMDA in Tanzania.

A legitimate online pharmacy displays its registration number and will tell you which pharmacist is responsible. If you cannot find that, do not order.

Counterfeit medicine is a real risk

The WHO has repeatedly found substandard and falsified medicines circulating in African markets, particularly antimalarials and antibiotics. Buying from unregistered sellers is how they reach patients.

Signs to check: packaging quality, batch number and expiry present and legible, and whether the price is implausibly low.

What needs a prescription

Antibiotics, antimalarials in most markets, blood pressure and diabetes medication, and all controlled substances. Any site dispensing these without asking for a prescription is operating illegally.

Zuma requires a pharmacist to read and approve every prescription before dispatch. That is slower than an automated flow, and it is deliberate.

Chronic conditions

If you take medication monthly, set up a refill schedule rather than reordering each time. The common failure with chronic medication is not cost, it is running out and skipping doses.