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Correspondent
Zimbabwe yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Drug Day with a call to end stigma and discrimination of those affected by drugs.
The day was celebrated under the theme “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”
The world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognises the importance of taking a people-centred approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and co-operation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
The aim of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritising prevention; and leading with compassion.
The campaign also aims to combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgemental.
This year’s World Drug Day is a call to:
- Raise awareness about the negative impact of stigma and discrimination on people who use drugs and their families.
- Raise awareness about the AIDS and hepatitis epidemics among people who use drugs and expand and strengthen HIV and hepatitis prevention programmes.
- Promote evidence-based, voluntary services for all people who use drugs.
- Educate about drug use disorders, available treatments and the importance of early intervention and support.
- Advocate for alternatives to imprisonment for drug-related crimes, such as community-based treatment and services.
- Combat stigma and discrimination by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgmental.
- Empower young people and communities to prevent drug use and addiction.
Through Resolution 42/112 of December7, 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and co-operation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
Supported each year by individuals, communities, and various organisations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
In Zimbabwe, the challenge of drugs is also prevalent.
Government had to intervene to bring a solution to this challenge which has affected many people mostly youths.
A National Plan of Action has since been adopted.
The plan is part of Government efforts to curb drug abuse.
Its key components include; law enforcement units specialising in drug and substance abuse’s response be decentralised coupled with equipping the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Forensic Laboratories by the end of the Second Quarter.
Other components of the National Plan of Action include that multi-sectoral awareness campaigns be conducted to reduce the demand for drugs with religious leaders playing an active role in fighting the scourge through demand reduction.
After Cabinet established the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse on April 19, to up-scale the fight against the supply of illicit drug and substance abuse, it recorded several positives.
Drugs and substances worth $438 654 692 were intercepted under Operation Clean-Up Zimbabwe with 6 156 accused persons being arrested and prosecuted across the country.
A lot of people were reached with anti-drug information dissemination and campaigns in hotspot areas through provincial and district structures, an out-patient rehabilitation and psychosocial support centre has since been established in Harare and similar centres will be set up in other provinces.
Other notable achievements include assessment visits made to ports of entry and exits to ascertain illegal drug and substance trafficking and visits to mental health institutions and rehabilitation centres.
Government will also establish rehabilitation and psycho-social support centres for drug and substance abuse survivors to ensure full rehabilitation and recovery.
Government is also working on reviewing the law on dangerous drugs so that stiffer penalties will deter the vice.
Key institutions including the church, schools and family are also playing key roles in curbing the illegal activity.
Police is also arresting people dealing in drugs.
Awareness campaigns are being carried out to parents so they take responsibility and control their children or report to police for assistance if their children are taking drugs.— The Herald /UN
Online Reporter