Drugs declared national disaster

Government has declared substance abuse a “national disaster” and has adopted swift mitigation measures.

“The Government has, therefore, declared a state of national disaster around drug and substance abuse and Cabinet has already set up a national committee to eliminate this abuse,” said Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, on Friday.

Dr Nyoni who is a member of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse Mitigation said this during her keynote address at a youth skills training and mini-graduation ceremony organised by the Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe at Galaupole Training Centre under Chief Ndiweni in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South.

Over 200 youths completed the skills training programme in agri-business, drug and substance abuse awareness, climate change, as well as other life skills such as building self-esteem and financial discipline.

CFWRZ regional director Ms Sithabile Ndlovu said the trained youths will start a piggery project next month.

Last week the Government revealed that 468 drug and substance abuse offenders had been arrested over the last few months. Of the total arrested 36 were suppliers who were referred to court, while 432 were drug consumers who paid fines.

The World Health Organisation says about 450 000 people have either a drug or alcohol use disorder.

“Over 4 096 of young people admit to regular drinking and 15 percent admit to regular cannabis use. It is further estimated that approximately 60 percent of patients admitted in mental health institutions are there as a result of drug-related problems.”