Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
THE Government is intensifying efforts to combat drug and substance abuse by expanding free rehabilitation centres and strengthening reintegration programmes as it moves to provide treatment and hope to communities affected by the growing scourge.
The Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mercy Dinha said the initiatives were part of the Government’s broader strategy to ensure rehabilitation services were accessible to all those battling addiction.
She made the remarks at the Musasa weShiloh Festival hosted by Messianic Family International Church in Harare yesterday, where speakers described drug and substance abuse as not only a public health emergency, but also a major social and economic threat undermining families, communities and national development.
Speaking to Zimpapers, Deputy Minister Dinha said the Government remained committed to expanding rehabilitation facilities countrywide to ensure vulnerable individuals received the treatment, counselling and support needed to rebuild their lives.
“We are emphasising rehabilitation and reintegration, because correcting behaviour is key to rebuilding communities,” she said.
“So far, we have six free Government centres, but private ones cost up to US$1 500, which is not affordable. That is why we plan to build 138 centres nationwide,” she said.
By involving schools, churches, correctional facilities and youth movements, stakeholders are working to ensure that prevention, treatment and reintegration become central to the nation’s development under NDS2.
Messianic Family Centre International co-founder Apostle Tegreth Mukono said the fight against drugs was both spiritual and social.
She urged communities to embrace salvation and transformation.
“We thank Adonai for what He is doing in our lives. We are here to minister to people all over the world, because all women, children and men need the Lord,” she said.
Messianic Family Centre International Youth Movement leader Kudzai Mukono emphasised the importance of mobilising young people to stand united against drugs, turning awareness into action.
“As the church, we are moving with a deliberate message to young people everywhere,” she said.
“We should unite as youth and as this generation to stand firmly against drugs and substance abuse.”
Another youth leader, Don Mukono, proposed empowerment as a way to prevent drug abuse, linking economic opportunity to resilience.
“In the coming years, I want to do something for myself and employ others.
“That way, young people won’t indulge in drugs, because their minds won’t be idle.”
