The Zambian Government is investing K250 million to establish a national drug rehabilitation and skills development centre in Lusaka. The initiative aims to address social issues that affect families, communities, and the labour market.
Vice-President Mutale Nalumango described drug addiction as a chronic disease requiring a compassionate approach from all stakeholders, rather than condemnation. She highlighted that addiction can severely impact individuals, making it difficult for them to overcome the problem.
The Vice-President spoke at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting co-hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) under the theme, ‘The Zambia We Want’.
The Drug Enforcement Commission has been tasked with establishing and managing the national centre. Vice-President Nalumango stated that the facility will play a critical role in helping Zambia tackle the growing challenges of drug addiction.
She called on industry leaders, the business community, and the banking sector to support the government in establishing the centre. Their involvement will ensure that rehabilitation services and skills development programmes are effective and sustainable.
The investment in the centre demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing drug abuse as a social and economic issue. By combining rehabilitation with skills training, the centre aims to reintegrate affected individuals into society, reduce social disruption, and strengthen the labour market.
The initiative positions Zambia as a country taking a proactive, compassionate approach to drug addiction while encouraging collaboration between public institutions and private stakeholders to create long-term solutions.