UN Joins Government and Communities to Mark World Drug Day in Zambia

The United Nations in Zambia joined the Government, families, youth groups, civil society and cooperating partners in commemorating the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking through a 5 km Family Walk and Run Against Drug and Substance Use in Lusaka. 

Organised by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), the event was held under the global theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," and the local theme, "Prevention Starts with Families and Care Starts with Access." The walk and run brought together people from all walks of life in a shared commitment to preventing drug and substance abuse through stronger families, healthier lifestyles and community action.

Addressing participants, UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Beatrice Mutali, commended Zambia's commitment to tackling drug abuse while calling for greater investment in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services.

"Globally, only one in 12 people with substance use disorders receive treatment, with even greater gaps across Africa, particularly for women," she said.

Ms Mutali highlighted the heightened vulnerability of young people and people in prisons, stressing that drug abuse is not only a public health issue but also a security and development challenge.

"As we mark World Drug Day 2026, let us commit to balanced, evidence-based and people-centred responses grounded in human rights. Together, governments, civil society, communities, law enforcement, health professionals and international partners can build safer, healthier and more resilient societies," she said.

Her message echoed the spirit of the event, where children walked alongside their parents, athletes took to the track and participants pledged to adopt healthier lifestyles free from drugs. More than a sporting event, the Family Walk and Run served as a rallying call for collective action, demonstrating the belief that prevention begins within families and communities.

Delivering remarks as Guest of Honour, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Dickson Matembo, reminded participants of the devastating consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

"Drug abuse and illicit trafficking continue to inflict profound harm on individuals, families and communities. The consequences are visible in rising health complications, increased criminal activity, family disintegration, school dropouts and lost economic opportunities," he said.

Mr Matembo stressed that prevention, education and stronger partnerships remain Zambia's first line of defence. He also highlighted government initiatives to strengthen border security and expand evidence-based prevention programmes in schools.

"As we commemorate this important day, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting our communities, safeguarding our youth and building a healthier, safer and more prosperous Zambia," he said.

The event also reflected the Drug Enforcement Commission's commitment to complementing law enforcement with prevention and community engagement.

DEC Director General, Mr. Nason Banda, said the Family Walk and Run demonstrated the Commission's belief that addressing drug abuse requires more than enforcement operations.

"This initiative is a demonstration of our belief that the fight against drug abuse must go beyond enforcement operations. It requires positive engagement, community participation and the creation of healthy environments where individuals, especially young people, can thrive," he said.

Mr Banda explained that sport was deliberately chosen because of its power to unite families and communities while promoting healthy living.

"Through this Family Walk and Run, we are using sport as a vehicle to strengthen family bonds, encourage healthy living and create awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse."

He also outlined the Commission's enforcement successes, including the seizure of record quantities of cannabis and other illicit substances and the arrest of more than 5,000 individuals in drug-related cases. At the same time, he emphasised that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.

"Prevention, education, counselling and rehabilitation remain central pillars of our response," he said, noting that the Commission had reached more than one million people through awareness activities and supported thousands of clients through counselling services.

Among the participants was Michael Tembo, who joined the walk with friends. He welcomed the initiative as an effective way of combining physical activity with public education.

"This is a wonderful initiative by the DEC to organise a health activity and link it to public outreach to talk about the dangers of abusing drugs in various forms. I encourage them to intensify their interactions in communities and schools and also provide access to rehabilitation facilities for junkies who are a security threat as they seek to feed their habit by breaking the law."

The event also featured performances by renowned Zambian musicians Isreal and Macky2, while organizations showcased their efforts to prevent drug abuse through information and exhibition stands.

The commemoration showed that preventing drug abuse is a shared responsibility requiring stakeholder collaboration at all levels. Through sport, partnership and collective action, the Family Walk and Run demonstrated that stronger communities are built when prevention starts at home and care is accessible to all.