Zimbabwe's alcohol policy almost ready

The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare says significant progress has been made in the crafting of the national alcohol policy, with the draft document set to be tabled before cabinet by end of July.

June 26 is the International Day against Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

While Zimbabwe is set to hold belated commemorations in July, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is intensifying efforts to have the national policy on alcohol brought before cabinet before end of next month.

So far the policy has passed the first, second and final drafting stages.

Research conducted by the Ministry and other stakeholders has shown a disturbing trend with statistics showing that there is an increase in the consumption of alcohol and drug intake.

Mrs. Dorcas Sithole, who is in charge of substance abuse in the mental health services department said alcohol and drug abuse impairs one's ability to function normally.

Mrs. Sithole said it is disheartening to note that most youngsters, among them commuter omnibus touts, are abusing imported beers, especially an illicit beer called zed.

Another worrying development is the increasing number of bottle stores in every location.

Some shopping centres in some of Harare's high density suburbs now boast of more beer outlets than shops or supermarkets.

The International Day against Drug and Alcohol Abuse was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 and serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of creating an international society free of drug and alcohol abuse.