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Muchaneta Chimuka
THE Ministry of Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, in conjunction with youth associations, in Chitungwiza have joined hands in fighting drug and substance abuse.
Chad’s Corner of Compassion, Empower Youth Alliance, Jambanja Market Operators Association and Goshen Youth Association are the youth associations complementing Government efforts to fight drug and substance abuse.
The recent awareness campaign took place at Unit L Community Hall on Friday.
Solidarity messages were delivered by various stakeholders who include the police Victim Friendly Unit.
Idirashe Chadoka the director of Chad’s Corner of Compassion said the main thrust is to raise awareness of drug and substance abuse and breast cancer.
“The major goal is to educate people, especially the youth, about the risk of abusing drugs – the majority of young people are dying young because of mutoriro, Bronc Clear, bumpers skank and marijuana.
“Some have turned to stealing as a way to find money to buy drugs and other substances and parents are now living in fear as most of these drug abusers tend to be violent, bullies, lacking respect and dignity in the community.
“Breast cancer knows no gender, it affects both men and women, therefore, we encourage everyone to do monthly breast cancer check-ups and to seek treatment early,” he said.
Prudence Chimbo, the chairperson of the Jambanja Market, said:
“Drug and substance abuse continues to ravage communities worldwide, destroying lives and families.
“The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching, including increased risk of infectious diseases, mental health disorders and premature deaths. We have heard several reports of some young girls and boys who end up being sexually abused after being drugged.
“Some end up having unplanned pregnancies, resulting in trauma and illegal abortions, or even getting some sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhoea, to mention but a few,” he said.
Online Reporter