Churches key to prevent drug abuse- Kampyongo

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo

Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo says while the church has a critical role to play in preventing drug abuse among young people, unfortunately some clergy in the church are at the center of illicit activities.

Speaking during the commemoration of the World Anti Drug day in Lusaka today, Mr. Kampyongo says it is for this reason that government is in the process of screening some clergy in the country before they are allowed to establish churches within the Zambian community.

And Mr. Kampyongo has urged parents and guardians to have a positive influence on their children.

He says research indicates that drug abuse among children is as a result of what they see from elderly people within their communities.

Speaking at the same event, the Drug Enforcement Commission Commissioner Alita Mbahwe says the commission is ensuring that drug intervention strategies accommodate children and youths in a bid to help them realize the effects of the drugs, substances and alcohol abuse, while providing solutions for those already battling with addiction.

And a representative from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOC) Sharon Lesa says the un is committed to peacefully and effectively address the challenge of illicit drugs based on the international drug control conventions, and their key principle of protecting the health and welfare of human kind.

Zambia today joined the rest of the world in commemorating the “World Anti-Drug day, under the theme “Listening to Children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe”.