Harare (New Ziana) – There is urgent need to take concrete steps and strategies to address drug and substance abuse by children and youth in the country, a cabinet Minister said on Thursday.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, who is also the National Chairperson of the Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, said this in a speech read on her behalf by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha at a drug and substance abuse meeting in Harare.
She said substance and drug abuse, especially by youths, was leading to many social problems, among them high crime rates, mental health problems, HIV and AIDS, sexual abuse and school dropouts.
She commended various government ministries, development partners, civic society organisations and the private sector for their active participation in efforts to deal with the menace.
“Our coming together in the fight against the drug menace reshapes and restores the worth and dignity of our communities,” she said.
“It is through working together that we refine strategies that help in curbing this drug menace. Collectively we achieve more hence let us embrace the whole of government and society approach of leaving no one or place behind,” Kashiri said.
She said cabinet had directed that the response to drug and substance abuse be multi-sectoral, a development which led to the establishment of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse.
She commended the support and presence of several stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, and said this showed the seriousness of broader society to tackle the vice.
“It is commendable because of the authority they have, more so they are the ones with the people right in the communities interacting with them always. With you, we know information about drugs or substance abuse will spread and reach the furthest person in the community,” she said.
New Ziana
