Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi and Anesu January
Heal Us Zimbabwe has launched a drug and substance abuse initiative that will see participants partaking in a 543-kilometre walkathon Plumtree to Harare.
The walkathon aims to raise awareness, mobilise communities, and demand policy action.
It will run over 23 days, with stops in key towns to engage communities, hold workshops, and give survivors an opportunity to tell their testimonies.
Founder and chairman of Heal Us Zimbabwe, Columbus Tapiwa Mushore, said the walkathon is a journey of hope, solidarity, and action, aimed at reclaiming Zimbabwe’s future from the devastating epidemic of drug and substance abuse.
“For each kilometre walked, we hope to raise US$1 000 towards the fight against drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“Thus we hope to raise over half a million dollars after the walk, which will be channelled towards constructing rehabilitation centres and funding various community initiatives.”
Executive director and vice-chairperson of the organisation, Tapiwa Nyati said last year’s walkathon from Beitbridge to Harare covered a distance of 586 kilometres and provided help to people struggling with drug abuse.
“Last year we had our first walkathon. We visited five provinces, where we held events with officials in those provinces. We provided resources and support to individuals struggling with addiction,” he said.
