By Hamu Madzedze
The Swedish Embassy has availed a 1,9 million grant towards the Anti-Drug Campaign dubbed "The Strength Is In You" an initiative that aims at addressing the increasing challenge of drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
Speaking during the launch of The Strength in You anti-drug campaign Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Per Lindgarde said the grant is part of the Swedish Embassy's overall efforts to address negative practices within the society .
"We have a role to play in our joint efforts to combat the use of illicit drugs as many young people are being affected by drug misuse",said Ambassador Lindgarde.
He also commended the Government of Zimbabwe for its dedication and commitment towards the fight against drug and substance abuse as these efforts will go a long way in curtailing this problem.
"I would like to recognise the efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe which is being led by the Inter-ministerial Committee on Drugs in creating a structured response towards drug and substance abuse " said Ambassador Lindgarde .
The Swedish Ambassador urged stakeholders to find the inner strength in overcoming the challenge of drug and substance abuse through working closely together and recognising any synergies .
Officially launching the campaign on behalf of the Chairperson for the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse who is also the Minister of Defence Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri ,Deputy Minister of Public Service ,Labour and Social Welfare Honourable Mercy Dinha applauded Population Solutions for Health and the Embassy of Sweden for their efforts in complementing the ongoing crucial steps and interventions being undertaken by the Government to curb the scourge of drug and substance abuse in the country .
"We appreciate the support and collaboration of international partners such as the Embassy of Sweden and non-governmental organisations like Population Solutions for Health for their efforts in overcoming this menace"said Honourable Dinha.
She added that drugs are destroying lives and families and are undermining the social fabric of this beautiful nation of Zimbabwe hence the need to protect citizens from drug and substance abuse .
"As we are aware ,drug and substance abuse is now a major public health and social concern affecting individuals , families and communities worldwide and it has far-reaching consequences leading to poor health outcomes ,social ,economic problems ,psychological effects and a range of other negative outcomes" she added.
The Strength Is In You campaign works with people who share their stories on how they overcame drugs and there will be collaboration with influencers who appeal to young people to encourage open dialogue and equip them with skills to resist drugs.
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