Authorities in Zimba district have intensified awareness campaign to curb deaths among youths arising from substance and alcohol abuse.

Authorities are particularly concerned on the number of deaths resulting from a particular local brew  that  have left  five people dead by broadcast time.

District Commissioner Robson Mulamfu  is on hand to spearhead the campaign and has since directed the Police, Council, ZANIS, civic and church leaders among other stakeholders to intensify the campaign.

Mr. Mulamfu directed the stakeholders to  work closely with health officials in order to ‘stop the spread’ and rampant drinking of this suspected killer beer.

And Surveillance Officer Musonda Kaemba who confirmed the development to ZANIS, revealed that five lives have been lost due to substance and alcohol abuse.

“ Five people have so far died from the suspected alcohol while one person a male adult from Luyaba area, is currently admitted and battling for his life at Zimba Mission Hospital, “ said Ms Kaemba.

She disclosed that the demise concerning males occurred on different dates but between May 14 and June 4, this year adding that  the cumulative deaths include three from the community and two from health facilities namely Luyaba Rural Heath Centre and Simwatachela zonal facility.

The deceased are aged between 20 and 55 among them being eight males and a female that allegedly drunk the beer.

“The case of alcohol intoxication surrounding this beer in question has so far killed five people of ages between 20 and 55,” she stated.

According to Zimba District Health Office  the concoction being taken as beer is made of mixing methylated spirit, water, sugar, shoe polish, sweeteners and Panadol. among others.  

Upon taking it , it leaves its victims with  severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and vision problems, among others.

Zimba District Director of Health  Milimo Kayawa says investigations indicate that the number of victims affected from consuming this alcohol is high especially in rural parts of the district.