Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s hard-earned progress in the fight against HIV is under increasing threat from rising drug and substance abuse, which health experts say is undermining public health gains, destabilising families and contributing to violence and social disintegration.
These concerns were raised during commemorations of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, where stakeholders called for urgent and coordinated action to address the growing drug menace.
Speaking at a public discussion on Tuesday, Public Health Advisor to the President and Cabinet, Dr Agnes Mahomwa, said that Zimbabwe’s celebrated achievement of the 95-95-95 HIV targets is at risk of reversal due to drug use.
She warned that treatment interruption caused by intoxication or stigma could undo years of progress.
“If for a reason, including drug use, you then decide to ditch your treatment, then you will die,” she said.
“Drug use is a threat to sustain these gains; the end user should be seen as a patient, a recipient of care, not someone who should face the criminal justice system.”
The discussion indicated that drug use not only undermines HIV treatment adherence but also tears at the fabric of communities, with young people and women seriously involved, bearing the brunt of the crisis.
UNAIDS Equity and Equality for All Advisor, Mr Jeremiah Manyika, described substance abuse as a global epidemic with devastating local consequences.
He highlighted how it undermines education, family stability and economic growth, while also being rooted in social determinants like trauma and peer pressure.
“Substance use disorders are very chronic, as chronic as diabetes or hypertension,” he said, emphasising the need for early identification and long-term support.
“Our response must go beyond individual blame; we must address wider issues like unemployment, family dysfunction and peer influences that drive young people into abuse.”
World Health Organisation (WHO) cluster lead, Disease Prevention and Control department, Dr Trevor Kanyowa, reinforced the call for systemic solutions, urging Zimbabwe to integrate mental health and substance abuse services.
He said fragmented care leaves many without the support they need, while stigma prevents reintegration into society.
“We advocate for integrated mental health and substance abuse services, rather than parallel systems of care,” he said.
“This problem cannot be solved by one sector alone; it requires a whole-of-government approach, with community engagement, family involvement and strong health systems.”
This commemoration indicated that Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV cannot succeed without confronting the drug crisis head-on and calls for all sectors’ collaboration.
