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Tanaka Vunganai Herald Reporter
A Government official has said mental health problems are on the increase in Zimbabwe due to the upsurge in drug abuse by youths. Deputy director mental health services and substance abuse in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Mrs Dorcas Sithole said there was also an upsurge in demand for mental health services.

Speaking at the official handover of a new psychiatric building to Harare Central Hospital on Wednesday, Mrs Sithole said one in every four people in Zimbabwe experienced some form of mental problems in their lives.

“There is a growing demand for services due to the hardships being experienced generally,” she said. “Substance abuse is also on the increase. Drug abuse is one of the causes of mental illness.”

Mrs Sithole said commonly abused substances included cough syrup Bronclear, glue and mbanje, while the elite abuse cocaine. “As Government, we continue with our awareness programmes on both television and radio,” she said.

“We are also invited in churches, agricultural shows and trade fairs to speak more on drugs abuse.” Mrs Sithole said they also worked with the police to curb drug abuse and urged parents to dissuade their children from the practice.

Harare has the highest number of drug abusers, according to a report released by the police in 2014.