Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo,Sunday News Reporter
The Abused Substances Diagnostics and Management (ASDM) Project has commenced its first professional training sessions for health workers, who will play a central role in Zimbabwe’s National Drug Testing Programme.
The trainings are being held simultaneously in Bulawayo and Harare Provinces, marking a major milestone in the country’s intensified efforts to tackle the rising drug and substance abuse crisis.
At the Bulawayo training launch, ASDM Project Principal Professor Hilda Matarira highlighted the national importance of the initiative. She said the training will equip health professionals with the knowledge required for accurate testing, which is a key pillar of the programme.
“This marks a significant milestone in our collective national response to the drug and substance abuse crisis that is affecting our youth, our communities, and our workplaces,” said Prof Matarira.
“We are equipping health professionals with the knowledge and tools required for accurate testing, an essential pillar in the National Taskforce’s blueprint on substance abuse.”
Prof Matarira expressed gratitude for the leadership of Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who leads the National Taskforce on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse, for coordinating national efforts, developing essential policy frameworks and mobilising stakeholders at every level.
She revealed that Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri’s leadership paved the way for the approval of the ASDM Project to spearhead the implementation of the National Drug Testing Programme, working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care through its Harm Reduction Pillar.
Prof Matarira said the ASDM Project was a pioneering coalition bringing together the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe College of Pathology, and Fastep, a diagnostic partner strengthening testing capacity nationwide.
“Our coalition is united by a single goal, to champion science-based, accessible, and reliable testing for drug and substance abuse across the country,” added Prof Matarira.
The ASDM Project aims to strengthen national detection systems, improve management of substance-related cases, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of drug misuse.
The training aligns directly with the National Taskforce on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse’s blueprint on addressing drug and substance abuse, which prioritises prevention, early detection, treatment, and harm reduction.
Prof Matarira emphasised the critical importance of drug testing, noting that it will reduce road carnage through systematic testing of public transport operators, improve discipline and safety within the public service, enhance security across uniformed forces, protect learning environments in universities, colleges, vocational centres, and schools, and support employers in maintaining drug-free workplaces.
“Drug and substance abuse is not only a health crisis—it is a social, economic, and security challenge. Testing provides evidence. Evidence allows for intervention. Intervention saves lives,” she said.
Following the training, Prof Matarira announced that Ingutsheni Central Hospital will immediately begin its drug testing programme, with the first consignment of testing devices being deployed onsite.
Describing the trainees as pioneers, Prof Matarira emphasised their national responsibility, saying that the accuracy of their testing, the quality of reporting, and the professionalism of their service will determine the credibility of this national programme.
“We rely on your integrity, compassion, and commitment to excellence to collect the data that Zimbabwe urgently needs,” she added.
She also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health and Child Care for its leadership under the Harm Reduction Pillar and the National Taskforce on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse for entrusting the ASDM Project with this mandate.
“Together, we are building a future in which early detection, effective prevention, and decisive action will protect our young people, restore community stability, and strengthen national development,” said Prof Matarira.
The ASDM Project reiterated its commitment to working in partnership with the Government, health institutions, and communities to ensure a safer, healthier, and more resilient Zimbabwe.
