Zimpapers Logo

Mukudzei Chingwere in Hwedza

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has urged people to desist from drug abuse and partake a healthy diet to live a longer and healthy life.

Speaking during her aunt Gogo Martha Chikata’s 100th birthday celebrations in Hwedza yesterday, VP Chiwenga who is also Minister of Health and Child Care said people should live a healthy lifestyle.

VP Chiwenga accepted the call to the commemorations which were preceded by a church service, which he attended as well.

The church service was held at St Martin Sanganai Roman Catholic Church in Hwedza, and was presided over by Father Cloud Maganga.

“We should live a healthy lifestyle, and avoid eating junk foods. These types of foods are eaten here and there, but the most important thing is to eat healthy foods with proper nutrients,” said VP Chiwenga.

“People should refresh and have time to enjoy, but you cannot always be partying, we need to control ourselves, you cannot always be drunk. If you drink, be responsible, drink here and there not always.

“If you have a problem you cannot take drugs, after you are sober, the problem will still be there so taking drugs or getting drunk is never a solution to any problem, rather it can exacerbate your problem,” he said.

“Healthy foods include things like small grains, vegetables, not to always take fast foods. Again the other important thing is good hygiene, if you do not practice good hygiene you are a candidate for diseases.

“That way you can live longer, if you eat healthy, stay disciplined and maintain good hygiene,” said Vice President Chiwenga.

President Mnangagwa’s administration is walking the talk on fighting substance abuse, a National Drug Abuse Fund was set aside to help fight the drug abuse scourge that has afflicted the country, especially among the youth.

The fund which is provided in this year’s budget is meant to, among other things, establish rehabilitation centres for drug addicts and also help combat and contain drug and substance abuse.

Speaking to the media during the celebrations at the church Gogo Chikata reiterated VP’s call for eating healthy and being disciplined.

“My secret to living long, I attribute it to eating healthy foods and being disciplined which is lacking from the children of today,” she said.

Gogo Chikata encouraged the youths to eat organic foods which include vegetables, fresh produce, meat and dairy products.