Zambia Launches Bold Drive for First National Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Backed by DEC and UNODC
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has launched a major campaign to secure backing for Zambia’s inaugural National Drug Rehabilitation and Skills Development Centre.
The initiative was unveiled at a high-level Stakeholders’ Breakfast Meeting held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, attracting senior government officials, corporate leaders, diplomats, development partners, and other stakeholders.
Officiating at the event, Her Honour, Vice President Dr W.K. Mutale Nalumango, MP, described the centre as “a sanctuary for second chances”, a bridge from addiction to healing and from despair to dignity.
She emphasised the urgent need for a coordinated and compassionate national response to the escalating drug and substance abuse crisis, which continues to affect individuals, families, communities, and the national economy.
Dr Nalumango reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to establishing a multi-faceted rehabilitation facility offering medical treatment, psychological support, vocational training, and social reintegration services.
DEC Director General, Mr Nason Bada, revealed that between 2021 and 2024, the Commission assisted 5,473 individuals with drug use disorders, excluding those reached by other organisations.
He noted the Commission conducted over 12,000 prevention education activities during the same period, reaching more than 2.4 million people in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Mr Bada called on government agencies, the private sector, diplomatic missions, and development partners to pledge financial, technical, and institutional support to ensure the centre’s success, which is expected to transform lives and bolster national development.
Speaking at the event, UNODC Regional Representative for Southern Africa, Dr Jane Marie Ongolo, praised the Zambian government for its holistic, evidence-based approach to tackling drug dependence.
She pledged UNODC’s continued technical assistance and policy support to help the centre meet international standards and serve as a regional model.
Representing corporate leaders, Mr Mwiinde Siakalima, Vice Chairperson of the Bankers Association of Zambia and Managing Director of Stanbic Bank, highlighted the link between drug dependency and transnational organised crime, urging integrated inter-agency collaboration to effectively address these challenges.
