As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with a growing crisis of drug and substance abuse among young people, stakeholders are calling on families to take a more active role in safeguarding the well-being of adolescents and youths.
Speaking during the Youths Health Indaba hosted by the National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), experts and youth advocates stressed that the home environment remains one of the most influential factors in shaping young people’s choices.
Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSI) director Sibusisiwe Marunda underscored the importance of stable family structures, noting that young people without strong emotional and social support systems are more susceptible to negative influences.
“Family support systems remain critical because they are key decision-making anchors for young people,” said Marunda. “Where there is a gap in guidance, adolescents often turn to peers or external influences, which may expose them to harmful behaviors.”
Her remarks come at a time when Zimbabwe is witnessing increasing cases of drug and substance abuse, particularly among urban youth, raising concerns among health practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders.
Pumula legislator Sichelesile Mahlangu highlighted that while efforts to combat substance abuse are underway, the absence of a comprehensive and binding national drug policy continues to hinder progress.
“Government and stakeholders are intensifying efforts to fight drug and substance abuse, but there is still a need for a clear, enforceable policy framework that ensures accountability and coordinated action,” she said.
Adding to the discussion, Honourable Tendai Pambuka emphasized the urgency of shifting from reactive responses to preventative strategies.
He noted that many interventions currently come after damage has already been done, rather than addressing root causes early on.
“It is essential for the country to prioritise protective measures over reactionary approaches. Prevention, awareness, and early intervention must take centre stage,” he said.
Youth voices also took prominence at the indaba, with SayWhat national vice chairperson and youth advocate Lee-roy Mpofu highlighting the complex social pressures faced by young people today, including peer influence, unemployment, and mental health challenges.
“As young people, we are navigating immense pressure from our surroundings. Without supportive environments at home and in communities, it becomes difficult to make informed and healthy decisions,” Mpofu said.
Participants at the indaba agreed that addressing drug and substance abuse requires a multi-sectoral approach involving families, schools, community organisations, and government institutions.
There were also calls to strengthen youth-friendly services, expand awareness campaigns, and integrate mental health support into existing programmes.
The engagement concluded with a unified message of while policy and institutional responses are essential, lasting change begins at the household level, where guidance, communication, and emotional support can significantly reduce vulnerability among young people.