Government Intensifies Fight Against Drug Abuse

In a bid to combat the escalating issue of drug and substance abuse, the Government is stepping up its efforts through enhanced strategies and programs across the country.

Yesterday, senior government officials and hundreds of youths held a historic anti-drug walk from the city centre to Mbare. The march saw young people calling for an end to drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, and violent crimes.

A resolution was passed that the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare, which was recently launched and is already operational, would serve as a model for the other 67 rehabilitation centres set to be established nationwide.

The march was graced by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Chairperson of the Anti-Drugs and Substance Abuse Committee, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, several Cabinet Ministers, Provincial Ministers of State, and law enforcement agencies.

Speaking at the event, Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri, who was the Guest Speaker, said the Second Republic had declared war on drugs and substance abuse.

“We came together in unity as Government, development partners, communities, the church, civil society, and most importantly, our youth, to lend our voice against the social ills threatening to erode the family fabric of our nation.

We commend the astute leadership of our President, Comrade Dr Mnangagwa, whose unwavering dedication has created a safer environment for our citizens through the institution of policies and programmes responding to the pressures of various social ills plaguing our beloved country,” she said.

One of the local agencies dealing with drug addicts, the Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Agency (ADAAZ), took the opportunity to test volunteers who attended the event.

ADAAZ Chairperson, Mr Tafadzwa Savanhu Mudzimukunze, and Head of Monitoring, Mr Bryne Maungwa, emphasized that their agency is taking the initiative seriously.

Mr Mudzimukunze said the organisation is supporting Government efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse.

“As ADAAZ, we are currently conducting outreach programs around Harare and some areas in Mashonaland East Province.

We are in partnership with professional medical practitioners and counsellors, who we move around with, conducting tests among victims.

After this medical and counselling process, we recommend them to reputable rehabilitation centres,” said Mr Mudzimukunze.

Mr Maungwa added that many drug and substance abuse victims have benefitted under their outreach programs.

“Our hope is to work with all stakeholders in the war against drug and substance abuse.

As ADAAZ, we will continue spreading our wings across the country to thwart this epidemic,” he said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also thanked the First Lady for championing the fight against drug and substance abuse.

“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, the people of our great country, and indeed on my own behalf, I convey our most profound gratitude to our First Lady, Amai Mnangagwa, for her dedication, humility, and practical approach in tackling community challenges through the Angel of Hope Foundation,” she said.