Letwin Mazarura
The recently held Harare Wellness Festival organised by Consolidated Africa Services with the aim of highlighting the negative effects of drug and alcohol misuse and developing positive mental wellbeing for the country and communities with a vibrant and healthy workforce to build a sustainable economy in line with the sustainable development goals was a resounding success.
Running under the theme, “Rhythm Towards Mental Health and Well-being”, the festival kicked-off in the morning of 07 September 2019 at Glamis Arena with health enthusiasts participating in activities that included soccer, gym and police displays.
The wellness festival attracted the government and private organisation as well as the international community as it is the first of its kind to be held in this nation.
The wellness festival targeted youths between 13-35 years and had a rich diversity of artists including Jah Prayzah, Tariro ne Gitare among others.
However, the Festival attracted controversy when the Bulawayo and Matabeleland community complained over the exclusion from the event. In response to the complaints, the organisers advised that the festival will be replicated in the country’s 10 provinces under the same theme, Strive to Survive- Shinga Urarame- Qinisela Uphile. Bulawayo and Matabeleland must get ready for a Wellness Festival as it is coming soon, and it will be the first of its kind in the city of Kings and Queens.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Paul Mavima surprised everyone when he turned up at the event all in tracksuit. People are used to seeing the ministers in suits and delivering informative speeches, but they were surprised to see the ministers turning up at the event.
Dr Obadiah Moyo The Minister of Health and Child Care graced the wellness festival as well.
He said “This is a noble idea that should be taken to other provinces. The message should get to every citizen that drugs are dangerous, and people should shun the.”
“I there recommend that this should continue until all people get the message,” he added.
The World Health Organisation which was represented by Dr Edmore Manungo added weight to the anti-drug and alcohol abuse message. He highlighted facts and figures on the global problem of drug and alcohol abuse as well as its impact on young people. He highlighted that drug and alcohol abuse as an issue that has become a problem that is affecting the youth all around the world.
People from all walks of life can experience problems with their drug use, regardless of age, race, background, or the reason they started using drugs in the first place. Some people experiment with recreational drugs out of curiosity, to have a good time, because friends are doing it, or to ease problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
Use and abuse of drugs and alcohol by teens is very common and can have serious consequences. In the 15-24year age range, 50% of deaths (from accidents, homicides and suicides) involve alcohol or drug abuse. Drugs and alcohol also contribute to physical and sexual aggression such as assault or rape. Under the influence of alcohol and drugs, many youths have committed various crimes.
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