Story by Wellington Makonese
THE government has unveiled a multi-faceted plan to combat the growing menace of drug and substance abuse.
The comprehensive approach places churches at the heart of the solution.
The Roman Catholic Church Congress and Family Day in Chitungwiza this Saturday served as a platform to confront the devastating effects of drug abuse and child marriage on individuals, families, and communities.
In a speech delivered on her behalf by the Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Charles Tawengwa, the National Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse’s chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri, acknowledged the alarming rise in drug and substance use, particularly among young people.
“A recent survey revealed that 43% of youth in Harare and Bulawayo have experimented with drugs. A new National Action Plan for 2024-2030 will guide drug and substance abuse interventions. Globally, trends on drugs and substance abuse indicate that 3.3 million deaths occur each year and at least 15.3 million persons have drug use disorders.”
The church emphasised the importance of fostering supportive environments for families and communities to help individuals overcome addiction.
Chitungwiza Deanery Roman Catholic Dean Reverend, Father Gabriel Mberi said, “Drug and substance abuse is a menace that has threatened the family fabric, and the absence of systematic rehab can be a challenge, but this platform is critical in sharing.”
“Focus now should be on both the boy and girl child, create a good boy and girl child to have a solid future, the family is the key to moulding a society devoid of early marriages and drug abuse,” said Reverend Father Vitalis Benza.
Measures initiated by the government to combat the social ills include the establishment of a Drug Enforcement Agency to coordinate efforts to curb drug supply, increased law enforcement presence, and the expansion of treatment and rehabilitation facilities.
