Harm Reduction for Methamphetamine and Related Drug Use Disorders in Zimbabwe: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Drug and substance abuse is a growing public health threat in Zimbabwe, with potential to affect the economic growth of the nation. Globally, there is an increase in the number of people who use drugs. In 2013, UNODC estimated that 246 million people had used a drug in the previous year. This number has greatly increased, actually UNODC World Drug Report 2025, recently estimated that in 2023, 316 million people had used a drug in the previous year. A systematic literature review was conducted, analysing articles and case studies relevant to drug use or substance abuse in Zimbabwe, incorporating both local and international perspectives. The overall goal of this study was to collate a scoping review of drug use or substance abuse with particular focus on content related to harm reduction in Zimbabwe. The pharmacology behind methamphetamine was reviewed. Key drugs identified include crystal methamphetamine; marijuana/cannabis; alcohol; bronchleer; nicotine; Lysergide (LSD); Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstacy); illicit alcoholic brews like skokiaan, nipa, barberton and; isomers of Tetrahydrocannabinols. Drug peddlers in Zimbabwe are using various linguistic terminologies when discussing their products, these include mutoriro, ngoma, guka, dombo, kachasu, kambwa, tumbwa, kushamira, mangemba, maragada, madhembare, kukweva, kudhipisa, qilika, mabutternuts, chamba, isityimiyana, hopana, qediviki, uhali, kutsomwa, and kudira. Regulatory frameworks surrounding drugs and substances of abuse were briefly reviewed. Clinical health professionals such as pharmacists, medical doctors, and psychiatrists, as well as epidemiologists, and food scientists, all play a crucial role in the harm reduction from drug and substance abuse. Despite their efforts to enhance public health outcomes, the currently existing funding limitations, brain drain of well-trained health professionals and infrastructural deficits in Zimbabwe, results in poor overall control of this public health crisis in the nation. By implementing a multisectoral approach, Zimbabwe can improve the quality of life for its citizens and foster sustainable development.