Teenage pregnancies, drug abuse threaten Zambia’s youth, Veep Nalumango says on National Youth Day

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of teenage pregnancies, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse among young people, warning that these challenges pose a major threat to national development by destroying lives and compromising productivity.

Speaking at Lusaka’s Showgrounds during National Youth Day celebrations on Wednesday, Nalumango also highlighted the growing mental health crisis, noting that affected individuals continue to face stigma and are often overlooked.

She stressed the need to amplify youth voices, raise awareness, and foster innovation to develop solutions to these pressing issues.

“This theme also encourages us to foster open discussions, remove the stigma around mental health, and develop innovative strategies to combat alcohol and substance abuse,” she said, referring to this year’s theme, “Voices Amplified and Innovations Ignited.”

Nalumango emphasized that the government recognised the critical role of innovation in addressing these social challenges.

She pointed to the potential of technology, peer support networks, and creative interventions in tackling alcohol and substance abuse while improving mental health services.

“I encourage our youth to think critically about how innovation can be harnessed to bring lasting solutions. Our government has enhanced the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which now provides university grants, skills training, and business start-up support, among many other opportunities,” she added.

Meanwhile, Munali Constituency Member of Parliament, Mike Mposha, reaffirmed Lusaka Province’s commitment to empowering young people in key sectors such as entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, and leadership.

“As we commemorate this important day, we reaffirm our commitment as a province to fostering an enabling environment for our youth to thrive, aligning with the aspirations of the new dawn administration under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema,” Mposha said.

He further stated the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in equipping young people with the necessary skills, opportunities, and support to help them reach their full potential.