By Michael Gwarisa
Zimbabwe has received drug testing equipment worth US$60,000 from the Abused Substances and Diagnostics Management (ASDM) project in an effort to curb drug- and alcohol-induced road traffic accidents. The equipment will be deployed nationwide to screen public transport drivers for intoxication.
Zimbabwe has one of the highest road traffic accident rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe shows that between January and May 2024, the country recorded 21,183 crashes and 860 fatalities—an average of 141 accidents and nearly six deaths per day.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the equipment to the Government Analysts Laboratory, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Honorable Sleiman Timios Kwidini, said the testing will begin with targeted sectors before expanding further.
In an effort to curb road carnage resulting from drug and substance abuse, we propose introducing testing in the transport sector,” said Hon. Kwidini. “Initially, it will be offered free of charge for a limited period, after which a nominal fee will be introduced to cover operational costs. The testing will be available for public transport drivers, public service drivers, government school drivers, and haulage truck drivers, among others.”
He assured that the equipment would be deployed efficiently, with transparency and accountability as key priorities.
“Together, we will strengthen our national response to substance abuse, building a healthier, drug-free future for all Zimbabweans. I commend the professionals and technicians who will be using this equipment—your expertise and dedication will be crucial in this fight against drug abuse.”
Substance abuse is a growing crisis in Zimbabwe, with more than 70% of psychiatric hospital admissions linked to drug and substance use.
“This issue was initially more prevalent among young people, but now it cuts across all age groups, affecting those who are productive and critical to the future of our nation. We cannot afford to ignore this crisis, nor can we tackle it alone,” added Hon. Kwidini.
The new equipment will enhance Zimbabwe’s ability to detect and monitor drug use, strengthening efforts in both prevention and treatment.
Meanwhile, drug testing will also be expanded to school bus drivers, chauffeurs, and drivers of Very Important Persons (VIPs).
Professor Hilda Matarira, Principal Investigator for the ASDM project, noted growing calls from parents for drug tests to be conducted in schools to combat substance abuse at an early stage.
“Our children and students are the future of Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, substance abuse among young people is on the rise, often beginning within school and college environments. Regular drug testing in educational institutions will act as both a deterrent and an early intervention tool, ensuring that students receive the necessary support before their lives take a dangerous turn,” said Professor Matarira.
The ASDM Project is a substance abuse intervention initiative led by a coalition including the University of Zimbabwe’s Chemical Pathology Unit in the Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, the Zimbabwe College of Pathology (Chitungwiza Central Hospital), and FaStep Zimbabwe.
