Harare, (New Ziana) -The government should establish specialized rehabilitation centres tailored for individuals struggling with drug and substance abuse and separate from mental health patients, to ensure effective treatment, an expert has said.
Vice chairman and executive director of Local Non-Governmental Organisation Heal Us Zimbabwe, Tapiwa Nyati, said this on Tuesday at a press conference in the capital to announce the launch of the Plumtree to Harare Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Walkathon.
He said urgent intervention is needed to ensure the country properly supports people battling addiction.
“Drug abuse is different from other mental health issues. We can’t continue putting people struggling with substances in the same centres as those with other psychiatric conditions, it does more harm than good,” he said.
The awareness walkathon will span 23 days, covering over 544 kilometres from Plumtree to Harare and will include key stops in towns along the route, where community engagement activities such as workshops, rallies, and testimonies will be held.
It is aimed at restoring dignity to those affected by drug abuse, raise awareness, demand policy action, and generate funds for the construction of purpose-built rehabilitation centres across Zimbabwe.
Heals Us Zimbabwe expects to raise at least over half a million United States dollars to support both the building of the specialized centres as well as various community-driven anti-drug projects.
“Yes, the police are doing their job, but we must look beyond arrests. What about the users who are victims of addiction? They need proper care, not just punishment.”
Nyati further urged the government to implement mandatory drug testing for students entering tertiary institutions, saying early detection could help prevent long-term addiction.
“If we start testing students at university level, we can identify those affected early and provide support before it’s too late,” he said.
“Testing students before admitting them to residence could help identify substance abuse,” he said.
Since its formation, Heal Us Zimbabwe has conducted numerous awareness campaigns, reaching five provinces last year in partnership with the government through resident Ministers.
The organisation also works with healthcare providers and community leaders to reduce stigma and connect individuals to recovery services.
Speaking at the same occasion, its founder, Columbus Mushore, highlighted the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse across the country.
“From the streets of the city capital to the villages, lives are being lost, potential is being squandered and futures are being stolen,” he said.
New Ziana
