Mwanza RC bolsters campaign to eradicate drug abuse

MWANZA: MWANZA Regional Commissioner, Mr Said Mtanda has urged centres engaged in the strategy to control and support drug addicts to increase efforts in ending the problem directly instead of treating them as permanent clients.

He issued the order today, August 24, 2026, during his meeting with experts from the Department of Control, Health, Community Development and owners of centers serving drug addicts that was held in Mwanza.

He said it is not good to see these victims living as permanent patients by being given regular medications as normal life instead they should ensure that they help them to abandon drug use directly and eliminate the habit from the entire society.

 “Society should not set up a system where they are given drugs, for example at the Sekou Toure center, then they sit in a nearby hut where they cook together and eat and discuss how to use other new drugs, but they should completely abandon that behavior and all stakeholders should help them.” He said.

“One of my streets in Kilimahewa leads in having these victims because I have personally visited myself and met many young people who were affected and when I interviewed them, I found out that they have just rejected the desire in life and then they got involved in it.” He stressed.

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The Assistant Commissioner of the Lake Zone Drug Control and Combating Authority, Mr  Hosea Elias said that among other responsibilities, they have a responsibility to provide education to help people who have not used and those who have used drugs so that they know the consequences and stop.

He added that there is success through the education they provide in collaboration with the Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital to help 217 victims recover completely and to achieve 234 victims who are receiving treatment at the center without stopping for now.