Staff Reporter
In a concerted effort to combat the escalating issue of drug and substance abuse, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi spearheads a pioneering awareness campaign comprising 18 cyclists from Bulawayo to Chitungwiza.
Targeting school children and college students, the initiative aims to educate and empower the youth to resist the allure of harmful substances.
While addressing the people who had gathered, Minister Modi informed that the awareness campaign was a call to action against the scourge of drugs and substance abuse by school children and university students.
"Our youth are the future of this nation we cannot afford to have them crippled by the menace of drugs and substance abuse. This campaign is a call to action, urging our people to embrace healthy living and reject the destructive path of substance abuse. We want to raise awareness of the impact of drug and substance abuse from school children to university students," asserted Minister Modi.
Under the theme "Cycling Against Drug and Substance Abuse," the campaign kicked off in Bulawayo on May 1, 2024. Making strides towards its objective, the team reached Kwekwe Queens Sports Club on May 7th, where they collaborated with the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the Midlands Province, Owen Ncube to conduct an impactful awareness campaign.
Attendees were enlightened about the detrimental effects of drug abuse across various cities and towns. Minister Ncube lamented the pervasive nature of drug abuse, noting its adverse effects on economic recovery, particularly among the productive and reproductive age group of 12 to 35 years.
Furthermore, Minister Ncube urged stakeholders to actively report peddlers and consumers, emphasizing the importance of curbing both supply and demand to effectively combat the drug epidemic.
By addressing drug abuse comprehensively, the Government can safeguard public health, strengthen communities, and bolster economic development. Initiatives such as the cycling awareness campaign demonstrate a proactive approach to tackling this pervasive problem, emphasizing education, prevention, and collaboration among stakeholders.
