Government, Faith Groups, and Private Sector Unite Against Drug Abuse

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday presided over a high-level resource mobilisation meeting at State House aimed at bolstering Zimbabwe’s national response to the growing drug and substance abuse crisis.

Spearheaded by the Resource Mobilisation Pillar Chairman and Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, the initiative secured over US$3.1 million in donations from various sectors, including mining companies, Delta Corporation, churches, traditional leaders, rehabilitation centres, and international partners like the United Nations.

President Mnangagwa reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse, describing it as a public health and security crisis, especially affecting the youth. “This is not just a national problem—it is a global challenge,” he emphasized.

Since the launch of the national drug and substance abuse plan last year, over 31,000 individuals have been arrested for drug-related offences, according to Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe. He highlighted the urgent need for coordinated resource mobilisation to support ongoing efforts.

The UN has already mobilised US$1.5 billion globally for drug prevention and treatment programmes, part of which may support Zimbabwe’s initiatives.

Closing the session, Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere called for continued engagement and collaboration across all sectors. “Public awareness and cross-sector collaboration are key in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” he said.

The meeting is part of Zimbabwe’s broader multi-sectoral strategy combining prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation, in line with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.