Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
AS the fight against drug and substance abuse gains momentum, stakeholders are urging society to unite in combating this growing crisis.
In a bid to raise awareness of the devastating impact of drug abuse, the “Fitness Against Drug Abuse” campaign will be held on March 28 and March 29 in Harare.
The programme will feature a 3km fun run, aerobics, boxing matches, Zumba, and entertainment, promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle through sport and fitness.
Founder of the initiative, Mr Lycan White, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering communities to lead healthier lives, free from drug abuse.
“We are using sport to raise awareness because it is what everybody can relate to. Everybody in the world, no matter what age group, no matter what race, no matter what culture, there are two things we relate to, that is music and sports, which is why we have chosen sports.
“When people do sport, they feel confident, they are more open, and it seems to be a crowd puller, we are looking at every individual, from the addicts, families that are suffering because of somebody who has an addiction, to communities trying to get people to know where they can get help and how they can overcome the drug addiction. All of us are affected indirectly. So we are looking at the nation as a whole,” Mr White said.
Since its inception, the campaign has inspired people to prioritise their health and well-being.
“The response has been tremendous. It is just our only fear is that we are not doing as much as we should. We are getting a lot of cries, both from people who are on drugs, and for those that are actually getting peered into taking drugs and not knowing how to get away from it. And because of that, we feel that there has been success, which is why this year, we have decided to go out to more places,” he said
The drug abuse epidemic has seriously affected young people with crystal meth, broncleer, heroine and used diapers being the most commonly used drugs and substances.
However, the government has since pronounced stern measures to clamp down on drug trafficking and abuse, with an Interministerial Committee being put in place to spearhead the fight against the scourge.
