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ZNOART raises alarm over escalating crisis of drugs and substance abuse
3 hrs ago |
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The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has raised alarm over the escalating crisis of drug and substance abuse in the country, calling for urgent and coordinated action across all sectors to address what it describes as a growing national emergency.
In a statement issued on 3 May 2026, coinciding with Workers' Day commemorations, ZNOART said drug abuse has become a "pervasive national challenge" affecting communities across all social and economic backgrounds, with far‑reaching consequences for families, public safety and workforce productivity.
"Drug and substance abuse has become a pervasive national challenge, cutting across all sectors of society regardless of socioeconomic background," said ZNOART National Chairman Shalvar Chikomba.
"Its impact is devastating — destroying lives, weakening families, increasing crime, and undermining the productivity, dignity and wellbeing of our workforce."
The organisation warned that the crisis poses a direct threat to sustainable community development and national progress, noting that its mandate includes promoting social welfare, healthcare, transparency and the fight against drug abuse.
ZNOART stressed that addressing the crisis requires a multifaceted and coordinated approach, urging government to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance enforcement mechanisms, expand access to rehabilitation services and invest in nationwide prevention and awareness programmes.
Law enforcement agencies were urged to intensify efforts against drug‑trafficking networks while adopting approaches that balance justice with rehabilitation. Religious and community leaders were encouraged to provide moral guidance and support systems that aid recovery and reintegration.
The organisation also highlighted the need to support civil society groups involved in rehabilitation and counselling, saying they must be adequately resourced to scale up interventions and reach vulnerable populations.
"Young people and all residents must take personal responsibility by rejecting drug use, supporting affected individuals, and actively participating in community‑based prevention efforts," the statement added.
ZNOART acknowledged ongoing efforts by various stakeholders, including community organisations and national programmes addressing substance abuse, but emphasised that these initiatives must be strengthened and sustained.
"The time to act is now. We must not allow our communities to be eroded by the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse. Through unity, commitment and collective responsibility, we can build safer, healthier and more productive communities for present and future generations," Chikomba said.
The call comes amid growing concern over rising cases of substance abuse in Zimbabwe, particularly among youths, with stakeholders increasingly warning of its social and economic toll.
In a statement issued on 3 May 2026, coinciding with Workers' Day commemorations, ZNOART said drug abuse has become a "pervasive national challenge" affecting communities across all social and economic backgrounds, with far‑reaching consequences for families, public safety and workforce productivity.
"Drug and substance abuse has become a pervasive national challenge, cutting across all sectors of society regardless of socioeconomic background," said ZNOART National Chairman Shalvar Chikomba.
"Its impact is devastating — destroying lives, weakening families, increasing crime, and undermining the productivity, dignity and wellbeing of our workforce."
The organisation warned that the crisis poses a direct threat to sustainable community development and national progress, noting that its mandate includes promoting social welfare, healthcare, transparency and the fight against drug abuse.
ZNOART stressed that addressing the crisis requires a multifaceted and coordinated approach, urging government to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance enforcement mechanisms, expand access to rehabilitation services and invest in nationwide prevention and awareness programmes.
Law enforcement agencies were urged to intensify efforts against drug‑trafficking networks while adopting approaches that balance justice with rehabilitation. Religious and community leaders were encouraged to provide moral guidance and support systems that aid recovery and reintegration.
The organisation also highlighted the need to support civil society groups involved in rehabilitation and counselling, saying they must be adequately resourced to scale up interventions and reach vulnerable populations.
"Young people and all residents must take personal responsibility by rejecting drug use, supporting affected individuals, and actively participating in community‑based prevention efforts," the statement added.
ZNOART acknowledged ongoing efforts by various stakeholders, including community organisations and national programmes addressing substance abuse, but emphasised that these initiatives must be strengthened and sustained.
"The time to act is now. We must not allow our communities to be eroded by the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse. Through unity, commitment and collective responsibility, we can build safer, healthier and more productive communities for present and future generations," Chikomba said.
The call comes amid growing concern over rising cases of substance abuse in Zimbabwe, particularly among youths, with stakeholders increasingly warning of its social and economic toll.
Source - Byo24News
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