Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
IN a bid to combat the growing issue of drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe, a pioneering programme which leverages the power of peer-led interventions is making a significant impact.
The Bestie Peer-Led Programme, now operational in nine provinces, utilises individuals who have recovered from drug addiction to mobilise and educate others still struggling with substance use.
The Programme, an ongoing effort by the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network and various government ministries, is proving that those who have walked the same path can be the most effective guides to recovery.
Embracing the concept “it takes a thief to catch a thief,” the programme leverages the experiences of peer educators who have overcome their own addiction struggles to support others.
“I joined this programme in 2022 after Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network visited Hopley talking about drug and substance abuse. I used to be addicted to bronco, marijuana and alcohol. I had lost my self-respect in the community. I managed to stop taking these drugs through counselling sessions and this helped me. Now I am a bestie, but I did not start as a bestie, I was one of the people who took drugs but I managed to leave those and that is when I decided to be a bestie so that I can tell my friends against the dangers of drug and substance abuse,” Bestie peer leader Monalisa Matongo said.
The Bestie Peer-Led Programme’s innovative approach has shown remarkable success, with many participants reporting significant progress in their journey towards sobriety.
“When my husband left me, I sunk into depression and drugs became my way out. I used to take Mangemba, the blue pills, crystal meth and marijuana, but now I have managed to stop. From the counselling sessions I have been receiving, I can say I am on the road to recovery and I am even telling my friends about the dangers of taking these drugs,” one participant shared.
“I would take anything from crystal meth to alcohol just to numb the pain and I completely neglected my children. I was not cooking for them, or checking on them and it took a toll on them. Looking back, I feel a deep sense of shame, but this programme helped me turn things around. What made it easier was hearing it from Mona, someone I used to get high with. Seeing how she turned her life around gave me hope. If she could do it, I believed I could too,” another said.
According to programme representatives, this approach has proven highly effective, allowing participants to open up and engage with the program in a meaningful way.
“We piloted the programme to respond to the drug and substance use that has been happening in Zimbabwe and it is now active in nine provinces. The Bestie Peer-Led Programme is made up of individuals who have successfully recovered from drug nad substance use. They play a vital role in reaching out to people still struggling with addiction in their communities. These peer educators not only raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, but also provide education on HIV and AIDS prevention,” Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network’s Media and Communications Officer, Vimbai Majaha said.
“What makes the programme effective is that we’re using people with lived experience, they understand the reality of addiction and know how to communicate in a way that resonates. These peer leaders speak the same language, create trust, and offer a safe, non-judgmental space where people who use injectable drugs can share their stories and seek help without fear of stigma.”
A pilot programme has had a 98 percent success rate in reducing or stopping drug use among participants.
The Bestie Peer-Led Programme aligns with the Zimbabwe Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), which emphasises harm reduction as a key pillar.
