Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) today joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Drug Day, with Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, reaffirming the country’s commitment to combating drug and substance abuse.
The commemorations, being presided over by ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, have drawn senior Government officials, senior police officers, representatives of various organisations, community stakeholders and church leaders.
This year’s global commemorations are being held under the theme: “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
The annual event provides a platform for stakeholders to strengthen partnerships in preventing drug abuse, disrupting illicit drug trafficking networks and promoting rehabilitation, treatment and community-based interventions for those affected by substance abuse.
It specifically focused on the need to tackle synthetic drugs, sophisticated trafficking networks, and digital illicit markets through scientific evidence, compassion, and coordinated global action.
Drug and substance abuse among Zimbabwe’s young people has continued to be on the increase countrywide despite efforts by both the Government and non-governmental organisations to curb the crisis.
President Mnangagwa launched the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, a comprehensive action plan that seeks to deal with the scourge of drug and substance abuse in the country.
The action plan, is a multi-sectoral strategic plan that addresses challenges faced by individuals who use drugs and illicit substances as well as their families and communities.
The Government adopted the Zimbabwe national drug master plan and treatment and rehabilitation guidelines for alcohol and substance use disorders in 2021.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Abuse, chaired by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, was also established and has expanded the master plan into the Zimbabwe Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, which is working on the implementation of seven pillars that include supply reduction, demand reduction, treatment and rehabilitation and harm reduction, community reintegration, policy and legal enforcement, media and communication as well as resource mobilisation and economic strengthening.
