The City of Masvingo has reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to safeguard the well-being of young people and to create a supportive environment that promotes health, safety, and positive social development with its recent collaboration with Charles Austin Theatre on a two-day drug and substance abuse awareness campaign aimed at educating and empowering school-going youths to make informed and healthy life choices.
The campaign brought together key stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), health personnel, educators, and community leaders in a concerted effort to combat the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people.
Speaking at the event, the patrons of the campaign said “This programme seeks to promote positive values, responsible decision-making, and self-discipline among youths, while strengthening life skills such as resisting peer pressure and making informed choices.
“The involvement of schools is critical, as young people are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to drug and substance abuse. By engaging them early, the aim is to prevent experimentation and promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
“Charles Austin Theatre has offered us an interactive platform for dialogue and open discussions, allowing youths to actively participate and express their views on issues affecting them, making the campaign both educational and impactful,” they said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police during the session conducted sensitisation sessions focusing on the legal implications of drug and substance abuse, trafficking, and possession, while health personnel are providing expert information on the physical, mental, and social consequences of drug use with emphasis having been put on prevention, early intervention, and available support services for affected individuals.
The two-day campaign forms part of broader efforts by City of Masvingo and its partners to address social challenges affecting the community and to build a resilient, informed, and drug-free generation and central to the programme were testimonials from former drug addicts, who shared real-life experiences on the dangers of substance abuse, its impact on health, education, family life, and future prospects.
Drug abuse is a growing concern in Zimbabwe, affecting the nation’s health, security, economy, and social stability. According to a 2019 study by the Zimbabwe National Drug Abuse Council, one in five young people between 15 and 24 years old had used drugs at least once.
The most prevalent drugs in Zimbabwe are marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, and heroin.
A survey by Afrobarometer in 2024 found that 79% of Zimbabweans believe drug and substance abuse is widespread in their communities, with 56% considering it “very widespread”. The Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network reported that drug abuse accounted for 60% of psychiatric admissions, with 80% of these involving young people aged 16-25
