Drug abuse and illicit trafficking remain a global crisis, but beyond statistics lies the human tragedy of addiction and lost potential. In Tanzania, studies show that most drug users begin between ages 15 and 24, with many continuing for over a decade. The surge in trafficking and local use, including heroin and methamphetamine, threatens the country’s youth and workforce. The fight must center on prevention, compassion, supportive recovery and effort towards breaking cycles of crime, stigma, and despair through education, awareness, and stronger community systems.
Month: June 2025
In 2022 a published research revealed that over 16,000 lives were lost to motorcycle accidents. Many are left with permanent disabilities as well. With the level of non-compliance now, no safety gears, careless riding, riding when drunk, over-speeding, and overloading, we are surely all endangered.
It is time to train people to refuse patronizing with minimum safety on our roads for our common good as a people. Considering the reality that over half of the population of Tanzania is under the age of 18, and more than 70 per cent are under the age of 30, and 77 per cent under the age of 35, these risks are not worth taking.
It is time we shed out these cultural beliefs that get in the way of actual wellness and health and face the vulnerability of being unwell as a life reality. This makes it easy to be helped. The good thing is we have professionals in the country, but they can only be fully utilized if people are set free from the cultural ties that make them see their actual vulnerability as a threat to their public image.