Story by Patience Nyagato
THE fight against drug and substance abuse took centre stage in Harare this Friday night as stakeholders gathered for a high-level provincial fundraising dinner to raise at least US$1 million by the end of October.
The event brought together government officials, corporate executives, church leaders, and traditional chiefs in a united effort to confront a crisis that continues to devastate communities nationwide.
The guest of honour, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicate drug and substance abuse.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the National Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, running from 2024 to 2030, with US$3 million in recent months. By decentralising fundraising, we aim to build infrastructure, provide medicine, and mobilise personnel to fight this menace threatening our youth, women, and society at large. Before the end of October 2025, we should have raised enough funding to implement key programmes including harm reduction, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support, because this is a responsibility we all share,” he said.
Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Charles Tavengwa, echoed the call for unity in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Your presence here signifies our shared commitment. Drug and substance abuse is not just a personal struggle, it is a societal challenge. The funds we raise will be directed exclusively to vital programmes aimed at changing this narrative,” he noted.
The fundraising campaign will continue across all provinces as part of a broader strategy to create a coordinated, nationwide response to drug and substance abuse.
Organisers hope that by the end of the initiative, significant resources will have been mobilised to support prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes across the country.
