Roseline Mutare
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has launched a proactive nationwide campaign to address drug and substance abuse (DSA) among the youth.
This initiative is guided by the Demand Reduction Pillar, a strategic framework established by the government to tackle this pressing issue.
June Mbizvo, Ministry of Youth Deputy Director in Masvingo Province, highlighted that since January, the ministry has successfully facilitated 170 awareness campaigns across various platforms such as schools, communities, and churches. These efforts have engaged a total of 204,439 individuals, including 80,384 males and 124,055 females in the province.
The primary goal of these campaigns is to inform the public about the risks associated with drug abuse and to encourage young people to seek help when necessary, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and positive choices.
“We encourage young people to reach out to health institutions so that they are not idle, which is a major cause of DSA,” said Mbizvo.
He emphasised the importance of partnerships in this fight, citing collaborations with organizations such as, churches, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (Drug Section), community leaders, and youth-led organizations.
The ministry’s efforts have yielded positive results, with many individuals testifying to having stopped drug use or undergone rehabilitation after seeking help. Those affected are referred to health institutions for support and strengthening of family stability.
The government’s commitment to combating DSA is evident in its multi-faceted approach, which includes awareness campaigns, health interventions, and community engagement.
“Indeed, there are testimonies by those who have stopped drug use or have undergone rehabilitation, a testament to the impact of these efforts. With continued support and collaboration, the ministry is confident that its efforts will yield long-term benefits for the country’s youth,” noted Mbizvo.
