Zimbabwe is in the grip of a devastating drug abuse epidemic that has left thousands of young people addicted and vulnerable. The crisis has spiralled out of control, with streets and homeless shelters filled with individuals who are struggling with substance abuse. Despite the combined efforts of various stakeholders, drug abuse remains a persistent problem in Zimbabwe.
The number of cases has been rising steadily on an annual basis. Drug and substance abuse among young people in Zimbabwe rose from 43% in 2017 to 45% in 2018 and 57% in 2019, according to the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network. Approximately 1 in 30 households in Zimbabwe is affected by drug abuse which translates to over 533,334 individuals nationwide.
The country’s economic struggles and high youth unemployment rate (35% in 2023) have led many vulnerable individuals to turn to substance use as a coping mechanism.
In Harare, the most commonly used drugs and substances are crystal meth and Broncleer cough syrup. A drug dealer at Market Square who requested anonymity revealed that a gram of crystal meth is being sold for US$12 while Broncleer cough syrup costs US$8. Exploiting the economic challenges, drug dealers are capitalizing on the opportunity to earn foreign currency by selling drugs in US dollars.
Far-reaching consequences
This crisis has led to a significant increase in mental health issues with around 60% of institutionalised patients struggling with drug-related challenges. While rehabilitation centres are currently treating around 5,000 individuals, thousands more remain without access to vital support.
As many as 45% of cases of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe are linked to drug and substance abuse, Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency and the Ministry of Women Affairs has reported.
Tariro Maraire, a university lecturer and a renowned expert in the field, has issued a stark warning that Zimbabwe’s drug and substance abuse epidemic is perpetuating a vicious cycle of harm, destroying lives and threatening the nation’s future.
“The consequences are far-reaching, including devastating mental health impacts, the perpetuation of gender-based violence, drug-related crime, and economic stagnation. With families torn apart and human potential squandered, urgent action is necessary to address this epidemic and mitigate its devastating effects,” she said.
A generation lost to drugs
In response, the government has put in place the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030 which provides a comprehensive framework for the prevention and treatment of drug and substance abuse, a reduction in harm, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among young people.
In an attempt to raise people’s awareness of this scourge, Zimbabwe President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has declared “United Against Drug and Substance Abuse” to be the theme for 2024, urging a collective response to tackle the escalating crisis. He warned that drug and substance abuse among young people poses a significant threat to Zimbabwe’s well-being, security, and prosperity.
“The country’s security agents will remain on high alert against this menace. Those found distributing drugs and illicit substances will face the full wrath of the law. Further, I urged our communities to shun individuals who are distributing drugs and share intelligent information with law enforcement agencies,” he stated.
The Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, visited the Fight Against Substances and Addictions (FASSA) Rehabilitation Centre in Norton. She has sounded the alarm about the crisis, cautioning that the nation risks losing an entire generation if citizens do not desist from substance abuse.
“If you go to the FASSA Rehabilitation Centre, you will realise that we have lost a generation. Everyone here has a relative who has been affected by the scourge. Drug and substance abuse cuts across every sector. The rich or poor, men and women, black or white, it is a menace,” she explained.
