Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its commitment to combating illicit drugs and substances during the ongoing 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, pledging stronger collaboration with the international community to tackle the growing global threat.
Representing the country at the high-level gathering, Public Health Advisor to the President and Cabinet Dr Agnes Mahomva said Zimbabwe remains committed to implementing international drug control treaties while strengthening domestic programmes aimed at reducing both the supply and demand of illicit substances.
“Over the past year, Zimbabwe continued to take a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach aimed at reducing both the supply and demand of illicit drugs, providing treatment and rehabilitation services, and ensuring the successful reintegration of drug and substance abuse survivors into society. Zimbabwe intensified its efforts towards combating drug trafficking. This included anti-drug trafficking operations that resulted in the destruction, rather, of illegal drug bases, the confiscation of sizable quantities of illegal drugs, and the arrest of over 3 000 suspected drug suppliers each quarter,” she said.
Dr Mahomva highlighted several milestones achieved by the country in its fight against drug and substance abuse, including enhanced law enforcement operations and expanded rehabilitation programmes.
“Collaboration with regional international law enforcement agencies has proven crucial in intercepting cross-border drug traffickers and enhancing enforcement measures. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe strengthened its compliance inspections, which resulted in a reduced availability of illicit drugs and substances within our country. Chairperson, Zimbabwe has intensified demand reduction efforts, particularly targeting young people, working in collaboration with religious and private voluntary organisations.
This is being done through educational programmes at every level, from primary school to tertiary institutions and, of course, in the communities. Millions of people, including the marginalised, have therefore been reached. Further, the country has continued to harness the power of the media to reach a wider audience.
The provision of treatment and rehabilitation services is being strengthened, with a total of 14 rehabilitation centres being fully operational. Furthermore, a whole-of-government and society approach has remained the cornerstone of the country’s programme. This has resulted in enhanced treatment programmes in both the public and the private sector that include incarcerated individuals,” she said.
Dr Mahomva also informed delegates that Zimbabwe is strengthening its legal framework to combat the problem.
“Chairperson, to further strengthen the country’s legal framework to combat drug abuse, the Zimbabwe Cabinet approved a draft bill for the establishment of the Drug and Substance Abuse Control Agency. This draft bill was gazetted by Parliament in October 2025. Nationwide stakeholder consultations are now in progress with the aim of finalising the bill before the end of the year.
As I conclude, let me reiterate that Zimbabwe remains committed to playing its part, cooperating with the international community in confronting drug and substance abuse while striking a balance between control, availability and accessibility of controlled drugs for medical and scientific purposes. Our ongoing efforts demonstrate the nation’s commitment to addressing the drug problem at every level of society, leaving no one and no place behind,” she said.
The 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs brings together global delegates to review international commitments and coordinate strategies aimed at addressing drug-related challenges worldwide.
