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Post Reporter
AS Manicaland today joined the rest of the continent to celebrate the Day of the African Child, young people in the province have been urged to desist from drug and substance abuse as this is harmful to health and destroys their future.
The commemorations are being held under the theme ‘Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy & Practice since 2013’.
The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on June 16 since 1991.
In his message to commemorate the day, Secretary for Manicland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Edgars Seenza said drug and substance abuse among young people is an obstacle that hinders their effective productivity.
He urged the youth to be responsible and contribute to the development of their respective communities.
“As we commemorate the Day of the African Child today, young people are encouraged to stay away from drugs and avoid using other dangerous substances. This affects their health and personal development.
“Drug and substance abuse has become a serious scourge menacing our society and it now requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to tackle it. The youth, therefore, have to refrain from behaviour that harms them as they are the future leaders that can meaningfully contribute to the development of their communities,” said Mr Seenza.
Research has shown that adolescent drug abuse continues to be a growing major public health concern in Africa and is negatively impacting on young people.
Online Reporter