Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE is partnering with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Algeria, and other countries to tackle the growing issue of drug and substance abuse, which poses significant threats to the nation’s health, security, economy, and social stability.
In April 2024, the Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030.
This strategic plan aims to guide the country’s response to the drug and substance abuse challenge, ensuring that all communities, families, and individuals receive adequate support as Zimbabwe works towards its Vision 2030, leaving no one behind.
Today, the chairperson of the Multi-Sectoral Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, met with the UAE ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr. Jassim Al Qasimi, and Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mohamed Seoudi, to discuss collaborative efforts in combating drug abuse.
“We are honoured to host the Ambassador of the UAE as part of our multi-sectoral committee addressing drug and substance abuse,” said Minister Muchinguri Kashiri.
“This meeting follows our interaction in 2023 when a UAE delegation visited Zimbabwe. During that visit, we engaged in discussions with the President, ministers, and senior Government officials, sharing experiences in various sectors, including the economy and social issues. We explored the possibility of collaborating on drug and substance abuse initiatives.”
The meeting, she said, is a follow-up to exchange notes and ideas on how to fight the scourge between the countries.
“Our meeting today is a follow-up to our earlier commitment to exchange insights,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“The UAE has more experience in this area, having established an agency dedicated to addressing drug issues.
“We agreed that they will relay our request for collaboration in training, testing, treatment, and other areas, including harm reduction and legislative measures aimed at deterring drug-related crimes.”
President Mnangagwa has declared a zero-tolerance policy towards drug and substance abuse.
The committee, she said, is actively seeking collaborations with other nations and has already established Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for Government-to-Government cooperation.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe emphasised that Zimbabwe will leave no stone unturned in its fight against drug and substance abuse.
Minister Kazembe Kezembe said Zimbabwe will not leave any stone unturned in fighting drug and substance abuse.
He said the menace is not only affecting Zimbabwe, but is a global challenge that has affected a lot of countries.
“We are aware that UAE managed to deal with it, so we believe that by collaborating with them as far as the legislative framework that they have and how they managed to deal with the menace. We have a lot to learn from them,” said Minister Kazembe.
Ambassador Dr Jassim ALQasimi stated that his country is eager to work with Zimbabwe to fight drug and substance abuse.
“I was getting feedback about the issue of drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe. “We are in the same situation so we need to collaborate and fight the scourge,” said Ambassador Dr ALQasimi.
Ambassador Mohamed Seoudi said his country is ready to cooperate with Zimbabwe in a number of areas.
“We are ready to collaborate with Zimbabwe in a number of areas,” he said.
