Walkathon to fight drug abuse

As Zimbabwe grapples with rising cases of drug use, particularly among young people, stories like those of Kudzi and Tinotenda offer both caution and hope.

Kumbirai Tarusarira

SUBSTANCE abuse is a growing concern that affects individuals, families and communities worldwide and in an effort to help combat this issue, a Harare-based non-governmental organisation, Heal Us Zimbabwe, will today host a drug awareness walkathon.

This is a comprehensive initiative aimed at educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The awareness walk will start from Beitbridge border post and will continue for 23 days as the group marches north, ending in Harare after covering a distance of approximately 586 kilometres.

In an interview, the co-founder and chairman of the campaign, Mr Columbus Tapiwa Mushore, said drug addiction was a serious issue that required collective efforts to address.

He said the walk aims to engage, educate and mobilise communities along the Harare-Beitbridge route and create a platform for dialogue on the ways to curb the consumption of drugs in communities.

“Through this campaign, we aim to inspire individuals abusing substances to make informed choices and seek help.

“We also call upon responsible authorities to close all loopholes that are resulting in drugs being trafficked into Zimbabwe,” said Mr Mushore.

Participants would share personal stories and experiences, highlighting the impact of drug addiction on individuals and families.

Heal us Zimbabwe is a non-governmental organisation formed in May 2022 to improve the health and well-being of individuals affected by substance abuse in Harare.