Chronicle Editor
Nelias Shiri, Chronicle Correspondent
THE 11th edition of the Zimbabwe Uniformed Forces Health Services Annual Conference is underway in Victoria Falls amid calls for strategies to curtail drug and substance abuse to ensure a future free of HIV and Aids in the region.
The conference brings together various stakeholders in the health sector to discuss urgent comprehensive prevention and intervention measures to curb the spread of HIV and Aids, drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youths.
This year’s conference is running under the theme: “Vision 2030: HIV/Aids and Drug/Substance Abuse Must Fall”.
Officially opening the conference, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, acknowledged the distressing effects of drugs and substance abuse and HIV/Aids in Sadc. He implored all health stakeholders, including family, institutional and community structures to work hand-in-glove to win the prevailing drug and substance war.
“Zimbabwe, along with sister nations within the Sadc region, has witnessed devastating impacts of the HIV/Aids pandemic. This, coupled with the escalating trends of drug and substance misuse is creating a dangerous cocktail,” he said.
“Current statistics reveal uncomfortable prevalence rates necessitating urgent concerted multi-faceted approaches encompassing education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation where possible.
“Our experiences gained from this process shows the need for a holistic support system ranging from family, institutional and community in order to ensure sustainable outcome.”
Directors of health services, men and women from Zimbabwe’s security sector, Ministry of Health and Child Care representatives, academia, corporate sponsors, National Aids Council and National Blood Services of Zimbabwe are attending the conference.
Delegates from the region are drawn from Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania.
Drug and substance abuse has become a global challenge and Zimbabwe is not spared. This scourge is affecting economic development, health, national security and social stability.
Giving welcome remarks, the director general of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Health Services, Brigadier-General Godfrey Ndumiyawo Mutetse said the conference is a turning point for the health sector to celebrate achievements and develop health innovation strategies to minimise the spread of HIV/Aids and curb drug and substance abuse.
He said the conference is a platform to complement Government efforts and aspirations on the roadmap towards a healthier and prosperous future, free from HIV/Aids and unmitigated devastation brought about by substance and drug abuse, a menace bedevilling the country.
“Today’s gathering is not just another date on the calendar but a significant milestone in our collective journey stepping up efforts to reduce HIV/Aids and eradicate drug and substance abuse among the youths,” said Brig-Gen Mutetse.
“Drug abuse and HIV are a deadly combination, feeding off each other in a vicious cycle of destruction. Drug abuse fuels the spread of HIV,” he said.
Brig-Gen Mutetse bemoaned the increased consumption of illegal substances and urged the participants to come up with effective measures that empower young people to make informed choices and resist negative influence.
“Drug abuse does not only weaken the body but also weakens its defence against HIV. Substance abuse creates a breeding ground for HIV as it promotes risky behaviour,” he added.
“When drugs take hold, rational thinking goes out the window, leaving an individual susceptible to risky behaviours that can spread HIV. Let us put our heads together and come up with interventions that help to prevent and mitigate the effects of substance abuse and HIV.”
Sidumisile Mabena
Online Reporter