Churches urged to speak louder against drug abuse

Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]

THE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has called on the Christian community to join Government and other stakeholders in speaking out against the drug and substance abuse scourge, which continues to wreak havoc across the country.

Speaking at a two-day Bulawayo Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce workshop, Reverend Bhekinkosi Sibanda, representing churches under the ZCC umbrella, said Christians have a critical role to play in protecting communities, particularly young people, from the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse through advocacy, awareness campaigns and support for those affected by addiction.

The ZCC urged churches and their congregations to work closely with Government, families and communities in confronting the scourge, saying collective action was necessary to safeguard the future of the country.

“Let the men and women of God speak against drugs and substance abuse. Let the voice of the church be heard even louder in this fight,” said Rev Sibanda.

He said the church is ever-present in people’s lives through families, schools and communities, youth groups, women’s and men’s fellowships, Sunday schools and pastoral ministries, placing it in a strategic position to help prevent drug and substance abuse and support those already affected.

Rev Sibanda said while he was a man of God, he appreciated that people affected by drug and substance abuse do not only need prayers, but also medical and professional assistance, including rehabilitation.

“I have personal experiences where even some of my relatives have become victims of this scourge and I had to take them for rehabilitation. As Christians and church leaders, let us be proactive in this fight,” said Rev Sibanda.

He said the church should complement Government-led efforts by educating communities about the dangers of drug and substance abuse, identifying those in need of assistance and helping to ensure that affected individuals are referred to relevant support and rehabilitation services.

In 2023, President Mnangagwa declared drug and substance abuse a national disaster and set up an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.

Government subsequently expanded the master plan into the Zimbabwe Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, which is being implemented through seven pillars: supply reduction; demand reduction; treatment and rehabilitation; harm reduction; community reintegration; policy and legal enforcement; media and communication; as well as resource mobilisation and economic strengthening.