Story by Panashe Nagoli
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fully implementing the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan as it intensifies efforts to tackle the growing drug abuse crisis.
The renewed commitment comes as the Heal-Us Zimbabwe Walkathon Team completed a 17-day awareness campaign from Beitbridge to Harare, aimed at educating communities about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Team members said the initiative was inspired by their personal experiences and sought to prevent others from falling victim to addiction.
“It was a really difficult journey. We walked for 17 days and only rested for one day. This was an initiative we started to raise awareness of drug and substance abuse, with the hope of stopping someone from falling into what we fell for,” one team member said.
Another participant said the campaign revealed the widespread impact of drug abuse, including in rural communities.
“It was really heartbreaking to see that this scourge is also in rural communities, as we saw when we were walking. We talked to almost everyone and raised awareness to ensure that we fight this problem,” he said.
Heal-Us Zimbabwe Director Mr Elton Ziki said the walkathon was intended to complement Government programmes aimed at addressing drug and substance abuse.
“Government is doing a lot in fighting the issue of drug and substance abuse, and this is our small way of raising awareness of the issue as an organisation because, at the end of the day, this issue affects all communities,” he said.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Mrs Margaret Nyakujara, Harare Metropolitan Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tavengwa said Government remains committed to implementing the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024–2030.
“Cabinet approved the comprehensive Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024–2030. This plan is not just a document; it is our national blueprint and strategic roadmap designed to create a healthy and secure nation free of illicit drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Senator Tavengwa said Government is adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, mobilising resources and expertise to strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and enforcement efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
