Beyond the Safety Alert: Evaluating Public Information Needs Following TMDA Medicine Safety Communications in Tanzania—A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract Background Effective medicine safety communication is essential for ensuring that regulatory actions are understood and translated into appropriate public and professional responses. However, little is known about whether official safety communications adequately address the information needs of their intended audiences in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluated the alignment between information communicated by the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) following the prohibition of levamisole-containing human and veterinary medicinal products and the information needs expressed by the public. Methods A qualitative content analysis was conducted using two official TMDA medicine safety communications issued between 23 and 24 June 2026 and public comments posted between 23 and 28 June 2026 on the TMDA website, Facebook, Instagram, and JamiiForums. A total of 2,893 comments were retrieved, of which 1,009 met the eligibility criteria for analysis. Communication content was compared with public information needs to identify areas of alignment and communication gaps. Results Seven major public information needs were identified: identification of affected medicines, understanding therapeutic uses, therapeutic alternatives, guidance for ongoing treatment, guidance for medicine sellers, clarification of safety risks, and transparency regarding the regulatory decision. The most common information need was identification of affected medicines (30.9%), followed by therapeutic uses (16.7%) and therapeutic alternatives (14.6%). While the TMDA communications effectively explained the regulatory action and associated safety concerns, they provided limited practical guidance on product identification, alternative treatments, and stakeholder-specific actions, resulting in several communication gaps. Conclusion TMDA safety communications successfully conveyed the regulatory decision but did not fully address key public information needs required for informed action. Incorporating practical, audience-centered information into future medicine safety communications and adopting a two-way communication approach may enhance public understanding, facilitate implementation of regulatory decisions, and strengthen pharmacovigilance systems. This study also proposes an evidence-informed model to guide the development of more effective medicine safety communications.