
Takawira Photoveteran Dapi
SCHOOL kids, as young as those in Grade FIVE, are already battling with drug addiction, a leading medical doctor has said in a chilling revelation.
Dr Johannes Marisa, the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (MDPPAZ) president said the time to act, to stop the rot, is NOW.
He made this revelation at ZRP Mabelreign School prize-giving ceremony on Wednesday.
He was the guest of honour at the ceremony.
“I was pleased that your children here today (yesterday) recited poems about drug abuse,” he said.
“Drug abuse is now affecting innocent students from as early as Grade FIVE.
“This thing called musombodhiya is killing our children.
“And, if I can divulge to you about what is happening at the Parirenyatwa Hospital’s Annex section, where mental patients are admitted, half of its patients are due to drug abuse.
“Let’s save our young children.”
He hailed the police and various stakeholders for taking a leading role in raising awareness against drug and substance abuse.
“The police are trying by all means to arrest anyone involved in the distribution and selling of these drugs. MDPPAZ and everyone in Zimbabwe have been asking you (the police) to arrest these drug peddlers and the courts must give them lengthy sentences before they kill all our future generations.”
He raised concerns over well-known drug barons who are yet to be named and shamed.
“Why are known drug dealers not arrested when their whereabouts are known as well? After research, we have realised that people who abuse drugs will not last for four years.”
Meanwhile, Dr Marisa, also warned people about the cholera outbreak.
“I am so excited after witnessing your students reciting poems on cholera.
“Be reminded that cholera kills very fast and Zimbabwe is in the midst of a cholera outbreak, which has already claimed at least 153 people and infected almost 9000 people. We have Kuwadzana as the latest hotspot.
“So, if you have or suspect that you have cholera, having watery diarrhoea, vomiting or leg cramps, seek urgent medical attention.
“It is unfortunate to lose someone from cholera because it is just a disease which kills through dehydration.”