Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata and Anesu January
GOVERNMENT is stepping up efforts to combat drug and substance abuse through the construction and rehabilitation of treatment centres across Harare Metropolitan Province.
Welcoming participants of an anti-drug abuse walkathon organised by Heal Us Zimbabwe and the Visionary Cadres Association of Zimbabwe, director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Mrs Margaret Nyakujara said rehabilitation centres played a critical role in curbing drug and substance abuse.
“The Government is building rehabilitation centres in Harare. Wilkins is almost done, including Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital, which is set to be rehabilitated. Other areas like Epworth and Chitungwiza will each have a rehabilitation centre.”
Mrs Nyakujara said the campaign, which saw 16 participants walk long distances to Harare – four from Plumtree and 12 from Zvishavane – aligned with the national call to action against drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths.
“We are raising awareness that we do not want drugs in Zimbabwe,” she said.
“100 percent no to drug abuse, that is our theme. If the abuse of drugs continues, we will lose the next generation.”
Heal Us Zimbabwe founder and chairperson, Mr Columbus Mushore, said the walkathon was launched to amplify the fight against a growing national crisis.
“We launched this walkathon to create noise around the silent killer that is drug abuse,” he said.
“Our youths are dying slowly and are being robbed of their future. This was not just a symbolic walk, it was a call to action for families, communities and policymakers to step up and address this scourge.”
Mr Mushore said participants in the walkathon endured harsh conditions to raise awareness and demonstrate their commitment to ending drug abuse.
