Alarming occupancy at mental health institutions
STAKEHOLDERS have expressed concern over the number of people, mostly youths admitted with a drug-related mental and behavioural disorder that has soared to between 75 and 80 percent in the country.
Most of the admissions are youths who are being treated after displaying symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion, extreme agitation, disinhibition and other forms of psychotic behaviour.
This was revealed by Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Resident Minister, Cde Judith Ncube in a speech read on her behalf by Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director (PMD), Dr Marphios Siamuchembu during an event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Stanley Square in Makokoba suburb on Friday.
“Zimbabwe is grappling with illicit drug use amongst its youthful populations. It is estimated that 75-80% of bed occupancy in Zimbabwe’s mental health institutions is due to substance abuse. It is also believed that 60% of mental health admissions are due to substance abuse and drug use.
“In our country, the following substances are being commonly abused: marijuana, crystal meth, cocaine, diazepam and other news substances coming in to our communities.
“Of late we are hearing of frightening volatile substances like glues and crystal meth which are being abused by our youths. We hear cases of used diapers being abused specifically for the sodium Polycrates that are found in the diapers. All these are causes for concern as Zimbabwe strives to be a middleincome economy by 2030. However, as a country, the Government is not relaxed in the fight against drug and substance use,” she said.
Cde Ncube said, however, there is an urgent need to develop or adopt policies and programmes with holistic balance and multi-disciplinary approach to prevent drug use and drug dependence as well as to promote health, prevention, early detection of use and addiction, treatment and rehabilitation and social re-integration of person affected by drug use and dependence.
Cde Ncube also revealed that in 2021, the Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare partnered with civil society groups and managed to come up with the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan to curtail challenges associated with drug use in our country.
The document consists of five pillars which supply reduction, demand reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, harm reduction as well as community integration. In line with this strategic document, President Mnangagwa appointed an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Professor Paul Mavima who is also serves as the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare.
Speaking to the Sunday News last week, Professor Mavima said substantial progress has been made by the ministries involved to prepare for the launch of the Master Plan which is imminent.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking also called World Drug Day was created by the United Nations on December 7, 1987 and provides an opportunity to increase awareness about the negative impact of illicit drugs. — @ RealSimbaJemwa.