Calls to end drug abuse among youths gain momentum

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By Clemence Muchedzi

The Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network (ZCLDN), an organization that advocates for the rights of people who use drugs through drug policy reform and provision of harm reduction services and the prevention of HIV/Aids on people who use and inject drugs have called for collective effort among youth to shun drug abuse.

 

Programs Executive Mr. Wilson Box said it’s their desire and hope for the future to see youth valuing their future since illicit drug use has decimated a lot of young men and women.

 

Mr. Box said the youth should not partake in abusing drugs such as crystal meth (Mutoriro), Bronclear, and other prescription drugs such as sleeping pills.

 

“Crystal meth is dangerous. Youths should not partake in drugs because many have missed golden opportunities through effects of those dangerous substances,” he said.

 

Mr. Box said it’s their motive as an institution to protect youth from harmful drug use and have opportunities to participate in social spheres of life.

“It’s a dangerous habit that needs immediate action. Youths need to be educated on the dangers of abusing drugs. The Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network anticipates rolling out empowering projects among youth to solve some of their life challenges through support groups programs, counselling services to drug users. The institution adopted the Zimbabwe national drug master plan by the government of Zimbabwe as a framework for dealing with illicit drug use in Zimbabwe.”

 

He said the network faces financial constraints in its quest to fund such life-changing projects.

 

“It is our wish to reach everywhere educating youth on the issue of drug use. As an institution we have support groups in at least 5 provinces in Zimbabwe where counseling services, drug use education, and its effects are taught.

 

“The Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network also reaches out to youth through capacity building, outreach programs, and debates on the dangers of illicit drug use.