Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Zimpapers Writer
LOCAL authorities across Zimbabwe have been urged to take decisive action in addressing the country’s growing substance abuse crisis by establishing publicly accessible drug rehabilitation centres in their communities.
This call to action comes amid rising concerns from mental health professionals and civic leaders who have noted the severe shortage of affordable treatment options for individuals suffering from substance use disorders.
Speaking at the 4th Edition of All Councillors Indaba in Bulawayo, Ingutsheni Central Hospital chief executive officer Dr Nemache Mawere appealed to local authorities to set up rehabilitation centres.
Ingutsheni is one of the country’s largest psychiatric institutions.
“Our biggest challenge at Ingutsheni Hospital is that there are no other centres which are looking after people who are suffering from mental health problems,” he said.
“The biggest mental health problem we have at the moment is related to substance use problems.” There are very few rehabilitation centres in this country. The few which we have are all for profit,” he said.
“It’s my call to action for you councillors to start thinking along the lines of establishing substance use centres in your different areas to look after people who are suffering from substance use problems.”
Last year, the country launched the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), marking concerted efforts by the Government to address the critical public health, socio-economic, and national security challenge.
The plan, consisting of seven pillars for combating drug and substance abuse, outlines a detailed roadmap for a multi-sectoral approach.
It focuses on supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as psychosocial support and community reintegration.
Speaking during last Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said Government has scaled up its aggressive, multi-pronged offensive against drug and substance abuse, arresting over 1 400 suspects and dismantling dozens of illegal drug havens between March and June.
This is part of a broader strategy combining law enforcement, youth empowerment and prevention initiatives.
President Mnangagwa has championed efforts to combat the scourge, which he has described as a menace to both the country and the region.
Global trends indicate that the abuse of drugs and harmful substances results in 3,3 million deaths each year, with at least 15,3 million persons having drug use disorders.
Resultantly, approximately 60 percent of patients admitted in mental health institutions suffer from drug use disorders.
Early this year, Treasury released ZWG800 million for the national drug and substance abuse response programme this year, part of which will be used to operationalise three new rehabilitation centres established in Victoria Falls, Bulawayo and Kwekwe.
With more than 70 percent of patients admitted in public mental health institutions being drug and substance abuse-related, there have been calls for the Government to increase the capacity of institutions to be able to meet the demand.
The establishment of the rehabilitation centres complements the roll out of measures aimed at addressing the drivers of the scourge, including supply of drugs and substances.
The Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse was established to address issues of prevention, care, harm reduction, treatment and law enforcement on the supply of drugs after over half of households identified drug and substance abuse as one of the major challenges affecting youths during the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment.
