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Elita Chikwati
Senior Reporter
More than 200 culprits involved in illicit substances have been arrested as Government adopts a multi-sectoral approach to curb drug abuse especially among the youth.
Operation “Clean up Harare Ghetto” will continue and be code-named “Operation Clean Up Zimbabwe” and extended to every part of the country to neutralise drug and substance abuse.
There will also be the identification and improvement of community-based activities including establishment of parent support groups and patient support groups.
The efforts come after the setting up of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on addressing substance abuse menace among the youth.
Cabinet considered and approved the report presented by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima as the Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said in response to the issue of substance abuse, a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach had been adopted to curb the practice.
“This includes intensification of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, reduction of demand and elimination of supply and availability of illicit and over the counter substances and drugs on the market.
“The capacities, efficiency and activities of the police, justice and customs department will be complemented and strengthened,” she said.
Several measures will be taken including the operationalisation of the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan (ZNDMP 2020 to 2025) and Treatment and Rehabilitation Guidelines of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder of Zimbabwe (TRGASUD ZIM).
Government will identify and upgrade existing mental health institutions that can admit affected children, youths and adults including a dedicated child psychiatric hospital in each province.
“In the medium term the following strategies will be implemented; review of the National Policy on Drug and Substance abuse and amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act which is up-to-date with the current illicit drug being abused in the country to increase penalties on drug and substance abuse sentencing.
“Establish a national call centre for drug and substance abuse which will provide online psychosocial support and related information,” she said.
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