Bwami Chonga Mudimba
Manjolo, Binga — The SDA Church, Ministry of Health, and ZRP joined forces to fight youth drug abuse in a campaign combining awareness, enforcement, and treatment referrals. The initiative aligns with the national stance of His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa against drug and substance misuse.
Organisers said the campaign is a joint effort recognising that drug and substance abuse is both a criminal and public health problem, requiring churches, health authorities, and the police to work together.
District Pastor Lovemore Munuka delivered the keynote address, warning that drugs have become an “animal” consuming the community’s youth. “We have a big problem as a district and a nation at large because of drugs,” he said. “We need to come together with the government and fight for this animal called drug and substance abuse. Our young people have been taken away by this animal. I call on all churches to help our nation fight for this animal.”
Pastor Munuka urged churches to support prevention, mentorship, and family guidance. He also stressed protecting minors, warning vendors not to sell alcohol to underage people, and said “serious measures must be taken” against those who flout the law. He linked substance abuse to gender-based violence, noting that drugs often worsen domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
Mihlayifani Ndlovu, President of the SDA Youth for Binga North District, highlighted the role of young people in finding solutions. “As youth, we have a great work ahead of us. We must help our peers to fear God in our life,” Ndlovu said, calling for peer education, spiritual mentorship, and youth-led outreach.
Residents welcomed the campaign and called for regular follow-ups. H. Sibbhobola, a Manjolo resident, said, “Such programs must be repeated time and again; maybe people will adhere to it.” Organisers agreed that one-off events raise awareness, but consistent engagement is what drives lasting change.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care offered public health messaging, screening, and referrals for counselling and treatment. The ZRP targeted illegal suppliers, enforced age-of-sale laws for alcohol, and maintained safety during outreach. The SDA Church mobilised volunteers, organised youth programmes, and encouraged families to support vulnerable members.
Communities like Binga face growing problems from alcohol misuse and drugs, which affect school attendance, family stability, and economic productivity, while increasing the risk of crime and gender-based violence. Campaigns combining prevention, enforcement, and treatment help reduce demand, discourage supply, and support those already affected.
Participants suggested follow-ups, including regular community outreach, stricter monitoring of alcohol vendors, more health services, youth activities such as sports and vocational training, and cooperation with other faith and civic groups.
The campaign highlights how churches, health services, and police can work together to address youth drug abuse. With Pastor Munuka’s leadership, youth involvement led by Ndlovu, and support from the Ministry of Health and ZRP, Binga has taken concrete steps to protect its young people. Residents say repeated interventions will be key to keeping the community safe and supporting future generations.
