adminHerald Reporter
Drug abuse poses serious threats to national security and should be avoided for the sustenance of national stability, Defence Minister Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
In a speech read on his behalf at the national launch and commemoration of the World Mental Health Day and International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking last week, Minister Mnangagwa said drug abuse was a world problem which ought to be tackled.
“The world drug problem continues to create a serious threat to public health, the safety and wellbeing of humanity, in particular young people, and the national security and sovereignty of states and that undermines socio-economic and sustainable development,” he said
Minister Mnangagwa called on communities to help raise awareness on the dangers of drug use.
“Let’s work together as a community, as a nation and educate each other not to indulge in drugs. There is no future in drugs, drugs destroy your health,” he said.
Minister Mnangagwa said according to the United Nations, nearly 200 million people worldwide were using illegal drugs such as mbanje and cocaine resulting in negative effects on the body and mind.
He urged families to work together in reducing cases of depression.
“Depression can be successfully treated, it is important to seek help early from your nearest health facility or health care provider,” he said.
“It is also important that if you feel depressed talk to someone whom you feel comfortable with, for example a relative, friend, parent, workmate, counselor or religious minister.”
According to the United Nations, at least 3 000 people lose their lives daily due to suicide as a result of depression.
In a statement read on his behalf at the occasion, World Health Organisation country representative Dr David Okello called for increased allocation of resources towards mental health programmes.
“Mental health is a generally neglected area and is poorly resourced in terms of human resources, finances and other critical materials and care of the mentally ill is usually poor,” he said.
“As WHO we advocate the elevation of mental health programmes and that they be allocated enough resources to succeed.”
This year’s commemorations were held in Mvuma under the theme: “Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs”.
Online Reporter