Call to fight drug abuse

Christine Chinhanhu

CALLS have been made for authorities to create social structures to deal with issues that fuel drug and substance abuse among the youths.

This call comes at a time the Government is making positive strides, in fighting drugs and substance abuse, which is affecting young people.

Pamumvuri Organisation Programmes director, Jacob Shamuyarira, said people need to take a closer look into issues that affect citizens.

“It is important for people to have social structures that help them cope with different problems that they will be facing, for example financial problems,” he said.

“It is important for the nation to take time to understand and reflect on how substance and drug abuse is affecting people.

“Communities should be empowered to deal with issues that deal with  issues that contribute to drug and substance abuse.”

The Covid-19 pandemic is believed to be a major contributor as people had to spend a lot of time at home with little to do.

“There is a lot of work being done by the supply reduction pillar in the inter-ministerial  task force on drug and substance abuse to minimise the availability  of illicit substances on the market. It helps attain global sustainable goals and also helps the country achieve the development strategy set by the Government. This problem also affects the workplace and national economy.”