Church's Role Crucial in Combating Drug and Substa...

Church's Role Crucial in Combating Drug and Substance Abuse, Say Religious Leaders

Munyaradzi Blessing Doma- Zim Now Reporter

The church has been recognised as a vital player in the fight against drug and substance abuse, with its sustainable support structures seen as essential for helping both users and caregivers. This was highlighted by Nigel Kunaka, Marketing Manager for Population Solutions for Health, during a Religious Leaders Sensitisation Meeting on Tuesday.

Kunaka, who leads the "The Strength Is In You" anti-drug campaign, supported by the Embassy of Sweden, emphasised the importance of community engagement in tackling drug abuse, especially among young people.

“Our goal is to discourage drug use behavior in young people, encourage social support, and empower caregivers on how to handle situations, such as a child struggling with drug use,” said Kunaka. “Today’s gathering with religious leaders acknowledges the church as a pivotal touchpoint in reaching both caregivers and youth. Everyone can be affected by drugs, even within the church community. The church’s role is crucial in building a social support system for those affected.”

He also stressed the importance of spreading love to combat the stigma surrounding drug use, particularly within the church community. Kunaka noted, “One consistent message that came out of the meeting was love. We need to practice love in its full sense to create an open environment and address the issue of drug use without judgment. If we open up, even within the church, we can create an enabling environment for change.”

Kunaka’s campaign, "The Strength Is In You," is a multimedia initiative designed to dissuade drug use, particularly among young people and caregivers facing the challenges of a child affected by drugs. The campaign also highlights the link between drug use and sexual reproductive health issues, emphasising the role of drugs in risky sexual behaviors, unintended pregnancies, HIV, and STIs.

Additionally, Kunaka pointed out the link between drug use and gender-based violence (GBV), stressing that alcohol and other substances often enable abusive behaviors.

“Drugs impair decision-making, leading to risky sexual behavior and contributing to GBV,” Kunaka added. “We also need to recognize the negative impact of drugs on mental health, which can drive people toward drug use and vice versa.”

Religious leaders, including Overseer Lemmy Tonderai Kamuchira of Grace Harvest Ministries International, echoed Kunaka’s sentiments, highlighting the church’s responsibility to actively engage in the fight against substance abuse.

“As the church, we must play a significant role as community leaders,” said Overseer Kamuchira. “We draw our congregants from the community, and this issue of drug use and substance abuse is affecting the very community we serve. We must actively work with other community leaders to address this issue.”

He also pointed out the damaging effect of stigma within the church.

“Stigma is a major barrier to addressing drug use. Some of the blame lies with us, as the church sometimes contributes to the exclusion and judgment of people facing these struggles. The church should be a center of solutions, not a place that drives people back into the community without support.”

Reverend Isaac Chatsiwa Mutsengi of Apostolic Gospel Church Renewal shared similar views, emphasising the need for collective action.

“The church must provide awareness campaigns, discourage drug use, and offer counseling to those already affected. Additionally, we need to target the spiritual aspect by encouraging prayer and helping recovering individuals with income-generating projects.”

Reverend Mutsengi also acknowledged the stigma issue and called for the church to be a place of love and care for people who use drugs, helping them turn their lives around.

“As the church, we must show love and provide care, not condemnation, so that those who struggle with drug use can find support and recovery,” he said.