daniel chigunwe
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
MANICALAND has upped the tempo in its fight against drug and substance abuse through the launching of multi-stakeholder campaigns in hardest hit areas.
The latest awareness campaign was launched at Odzi Township, in Mutare North Constituency this week, where Government and its partners targeted the area being ravaged by the menace owing to illegal mining activities.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said they are taking President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s fight against drugs to all corners of the province.
He added that sustained and shared efforts are vital in reducing substance abuse, which is causing untold suffering and dismantling societal and family cohesion.
“President Mnangagwa has consistently addressed the issue of drug abuse and substance abuse in Zimbabwe, emphasizing its detrimental effects on public health, social cohesion, and national development.
“Recognising the urgency of the situation, the President has spearheaded initiatives aimed at combating this growing menace. We are not only raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse but also to unite as one community, to ensure that we protect and support each other in our united fight against this perilous danger.
“In June 2024, President Mnangagwa launched the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), a comprehensive strategy designed to tackle the crisis through multi-faceted approach. The plan encompasses seven critical pillars: Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction, Harm Reduction, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Psychological Support and Community Reintegration, Policy and Legal Enforcement, and Media and Communication.
“I appreciate the government and non-government stakeholders and our security forces for their collective commitment in supporting multi-stakeholder engagement and actions across various sectors in order to address the scourge of drug and substance abuse. These efforts to create a healthy and secure nation free from illicit drugs and substances should be acknowledged and sustained.
“Through these shared efforts we have seen successes in destruction of drug bases, arrest and conviction of drug peddlers and consumers and rehabilitation of peddlers. Drugs and substance abuse is not just a personal problem, it has become a societal crisis that tears apart families, weakens communities and steals the potential of our youths with devastating consequences,” said Minister Mugadza.
Mutare North legislator, Honourable Admire Mahachi said they have embarked on several empowerment projects to ensure youths are occupied with meaningful activities.
“Drugs abuse is topical issue here due to the presence of mining activities. These awareness campaigns are key in delivering messages on the dangers of indulging in substance abuse. We would like to thank Government and its partners for this initiative to heighten the campaign the messages against drugs.
“At constituency level we have launched a number of economic programmes to empower the youths. Some youths end up indulging in drug abuse because of idleness, as they say an ideal mind is a devil’s workshop. These awareness campaigns is also targeting schools so that the message reaches every person in the constituency,” said Honourable Mahachi.
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