President Mnangagwa characterized drug abuse as a battle for Zimbabwe's national soul. Statistics reveal 533,334 citizens face drug-related problems while 60 percent of institutional patients experience substance abuse difficulties. Government rehabilitation efforts encounter high relapse rates among discharged individuals. Officials propose establishing a Drug Abuse Victims Empowerment Fund to prevent recurring addictions through economic support and skills development. Portugal and Switzerland demonstrate successful rehabilitation models that treat addiction as health concerns rather than criminal matters.
The administration established a National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse while identifying 67 treatment facilities nationwide. Three centers currently operate with ZiG865 million allocated in the 2025 budget for substance abuse programs. Proposed empowerment initiatives encompass vocational training in carpentry, tailoring, and agriculture alongside business mentorship opportunities. Educational workshops would reinforce recovery principles and prevent backsliding among former users. The president emphasized collective responsibility in combating this societal challenge through positive parenting and community engagement.
The administration established a National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse while identifying 67 treatment facilities nationwide. Three centers currently operate with ZiG865 million allocated in the 2025 budget for substance abuse programs. Proposed empowerment initiatives encompass vocational training in carpentry, tailoring, and agriculture alongside business mentorship opportunities. Educational workshops would reinforce recovery principles and prevent backsliding among former users. The president emphasized collective responsibility in combating this societal challenge through positive parenting and community engagement.
