Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
ZIMBABWE is intensifying efforts to combat drug and substance abuse through expanded rehabilitation services, enhanced law enforcement operations and increased public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting communities, particularly young people.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, said drug and substance abuse remains a major challenge, prompting a coordinated national response involving multiple government ministries and agencies.
He expressed concern over the growing misuse of prescription medicines, including Pethidine and certain cough mixtures, which are being diverted for non-medical use.
Dr Mombeshora urged members of the public to obtain medicines only from registered pharmacies and to use them strictly in accordance with prescriptions issued by qualified health professionals.
He warned that the misuse of medicines can lead to addiction, liver and kidney damage, mental health complications and, in some cases, death.
To curb the problem, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police have intensified operations targeting illegal drug dealers, medicine peddlers and unlicensed manufacturers.
Government is also expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services. Dr Mombeshora said rehabilitation centres are already operational in Harare, Marondera and Bindura, while additional facilities are expected to open in Bulawayo and Gwanda.
He commended Auxilia Mnangagwa for supporting rehabilitation efforts through the Angel of Hope Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare, which has become one of the country’s largest treatment facilities.
As part of broader efforts to improve access to treatment, Government has identified 138 centres across the country for renovation and conversion into rehabilitation facilities.
Meanwhile, joint operations conducted by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police between March and May this year resulted in the seizure of more than 2 000 grammes of crystal meth, commonly known as mutoriro, 75 grammes of cocaine, five ecstasy tablets and more than 2.3 tonnes of cannabis.
Authorities also destroyed 780 cannabis plants and confiscated more than 24 000 bottles of unregistered cough syrups valued at over 3.6 million ZiG, alongside Khat and other unregistered medicines.
The total value of drugs and substances recovered during the period exceeded 79 million ZiG.
Operations targeted several identified hotspots, including Harare, Bulawayo, Penhalonga, Mazowe, Beitbridge, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Karoi and Marondera.
As Zimbabwe strengthens prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and law enforcement measures, authorities remain confident that a coordinated national response will help curb substance abuse and support the recovery of affected individuals, families and communities.
