‘Don’t discriminate against drug users’

Tanaka Mahanya

ZIMBABWE celebrated International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under the theme ‘People First: Stop Stigma And Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’.

In 2021, drug abuse was responsible for 60 percent of psychiatric admissions recorded by the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network. 

WHO Zimbabwe has, therefore, called for the prioritisation of people first and the end of stigma and discrimination to combat HIV, hepatitis epidemics and addiction.

The Youths Against Alcoholism and Drug Dependency has called on stronger policies to address drug use in the country.

“On this day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, we call for stronger policies and actions to combat the rising drug abuse problem in Zimbabwe. 

“Together we can make a difference.”