Understanding drug use and substance abuse by Zimbabwean adolescents and young people
This report seeks to understand the root causes of drug consumption and substance abuse amongst Zimbabwean adolescents and youth, and to inform programming.
Highlights
To understand the root causes of drug consumption and substance abuse amongst Zimbabwean adolescents and youth and to inform programming, UNICEF, in collaboration with Government of Zimbabwe, Muthengo Development Studies (MDS), Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN), and Youth Advocates Zimbabwe (YAZ), synthesized existing evidence and identified gaps to strengthen current responses. This research brief summarizes the findings and recommendations for all stakeholders.
• Zimbabwe has an estimated total population of 15.2 million, of which 32% are 10-24 years old (Census, 2022).
• One of the most severe public health and socio-pathological threats facing adolescents and young people is substance abuse, which long-term impacts their well-being and future.
• Risky and escalating behaviour by adolescents and young people includes drug and alcohol abuse and unprotected sexual practices.
• Several groups and organisations, including the Government, media, civil society, schools, churches, family support groups, and United Nations agencies frequently report reports of substance abuse practices among Zimbabwean adolescents and young people.
