Serenity Harm Reduction Programme Zambia (SHARPZ)

There is a growing consensus in Zambia that problems connected with unsafe alcohol and drug use are increasing. Zambians share the common effects of unsafe alcohol and drug use with people everywhere: consequences of misuse may impact on PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH, FINANCIAL, SPIRITUAL, LEGAL & INTELLECTUAL aspects of the human person. S.H.A.R.P.Z is guided by a Public Health Approach (PHA) specifically HARM REDUCTION to the treatment of alcohol and drug misuse. This approach considers three contributing factors to problems with substance use:
1. the HOST - the person using the substance
3. the ENVIRONMENT - family, community or society where the user resides. Public Health approach recognize that substances such as alcohol can be hazardous drugs, which place anyone using them unwisely, or beyond moderation, in a dangerous situation. It acknowledges that there are significant differences in susceptibility to substance misuse problems. Finally it stresses the relevance of environmental factors in determining the rates of substance use and related problems. In collaboration and partnership with other stakeholders such as John Hopkins University [JHU], Misean Cara, Porticus, Zambia Led Prevention Initiative [ZPI], Corridos of Hope, [CoH] SHARe II, local Churches, Faith Based Organizations, Barefeet, STEPS-OVC, Ministry of Health-MoH, Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health-MCDMCH, and Ministry of Home Affairs, to name but a few. SHARPZ has implemented a number of different projects since its inception and has offered services to more than 18, 039 beneficiaries.