The sight of young men — some barely teenagers — intoxicated in public spaces has become tragically familiar in Zambia's urban areas. Substances like marijuana, alcohol, and increasingly, harder drugs, are eroding a generation of potential.
Understanding why requires looking beyond moral judgement. Young men turn to substances for complex reasons: to numb economic despair, to belong to a peer group, to cope with trauma, or simply because no one offered them an alternative pathway. The Dr. Rozious Siatwambo Foundation's Anti-Drug Initiative recognises this complexity and responds with compassion, not condemnation.
Our counsellors work in communities, not just offices. Our rehabilitation support connects young men with medical professionals while our peer mentorship programme ensures they have positive social bonds to return to once they begin recovery. We have supported over 200 young men through our anti-drug programme since inception.
