Sweden supports Zim campaign against drug,substanc...

Sweden supports Zim campaign against drug,substance abuse

**Sweden Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgarde**

Patricia Mashiri

Sweden has injected US$1.9 million to Population Solutions Health in a bid to support Zimbabwe's anti-drug and substance abuse campaign termed “The Strength Is In you”.

The campaign seeks to increase knowledge about the negative effects of drug and substance abuse on sexual reproductive health, mental health and gender-based violence.

The country has been battling the effects of drug and substance abuse at times leading to unintended pregnancies and HIV infection.

Speaking during the launch of "The Strength Is In You’ campaign Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgarde said the campaign seeks to address the increasing challenge of drug and substance use in Zimbabwe.

“Many young people are being affected by drug misuse. This could be either by using drugs themselves at a very early age or growing up in a family where drug abuse is part of their lives. This is, of course, something we all must take most seriously and try our hardest to change.

“Only recently, it was reported that 17 young people were rushed to a local central hospital after overdosing on crystal meth. Young people are finding solace in bases where they congregate with other mates, take drugs, and engage in risky sexual behaviours. These young people are crying out for help, and we should all rally to support them,” Ambassador Lindgarde said

He added: “The Strength Is In You” campaign, worked with people with lived experiences to share their stories publicly on how they overcame drugs.

The campaign collaborated with influencers who appeal to young people to encourage open dialogue and equip them with skills to resist drugs. These influencers will also appeal to parents, families, and the wider community to help those who are struggling with drug addiction.

Speaking at the same event on behalf of the Chairperson of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, the Deputy Minister of Public Service,Labour and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha said drug and substance abuse was now a major public health and social concern affecting individuals, families, and communities worldwide which has far-reaching consequences, leading to poor health outcomes, social and economic problems and psychosocial effects among others.

“The recovery from drugs and prevention of possible continued use of drugs by individuals is embedded in the wider community and family environment. This requires the involvement of the family in every step of addressing Drug and Substance Abuse. I believe that the magnitude of this problem also needs collective national action across all spheres. It entails a sense of unity that is characterized by a co-ordinated and integrated multi-sectoral approach to ensure a drug-free society. Let us desist from silo mentalities.

“We appreciate the support and collaboration of international partners such as the Embassy of Sweden and non-governmental organisations such as Population Solutions for Health for your complementary efforts in overcoming this menace," she said.

A survey conducted in 2023 by the Population Solutions for Health concluded that 43% of young people interviewed across Harare and Bulawayo had engaged in one or more forms of drug use at some point in their lives. The global trends on Drug and Substance Abuse also indicate that the abuse of drugs and harmful substances results in 3.3 million deaths each year, less than half of the population drinks alcohol and at least 15.3 million persons have drug use disorders.

This US$1.9m grant for the Anti-Drugs Campaign is part of the Swedish Embassy’s overall efforts to address negative practices within the society, including the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” Campaign which was aimed at combating gender-based violence and child marriages.