At least 17,783 people sought health services in Mozambique due to mental and behavioural disorders associated with psychoactive substance use in the first half of 2026, a 58.6% increase compared with the same period in 2025, according to data reported by the Lusa news agency.
The figures were presented on Thursday, 24 September, in Maputo, during the release of the Report on the Situation of Drug Consumption and Illicit Trafficking Recorded in the Country in the First Half of 2026, an event organised by the Central Office for Drug Prevention and Control (Gabinete Central de Prevenção e Combate à Droga — GCPCD).
According to Salma Iuraimadam, a representative of the Ministry of Health, "17,783 patients were treated for mental and behavioural disorders resulting from psychoactive substance use," representing "approximately a 58% increase compared with the same period last year."
Polydrug use — the consumption of multiple substances — accounted for the highest number of cases, with 7,372 patients recorded. Alcohol-related disorders followed with 5,469 cases, cannabinoids with 1,502, and opioids with 1,100 cases. The 21-to-35 age group concentrated the largest share of patients.
"This is the age group with the highest school and work productivity," Iuraimadam emphasised, noting that Maputo city recorded the greatest number of treatment visits, while Nampula, Manica, and Cabo Delgado also showed elevated levels of polydrug use.
"17,783 patients were treated for mental and behavioural disorders resulting from psychoactive substance use, representing approximately a 58% increase compared with the same period last year." — Salma Iuraimadam
The Ministry of Health representative also warned of the broader social and health impacts of substance abuse. "Abusive consumption can lead to family conflicts, the abandonment of responsibilities, and the breakdown of emotional ties," she said, adding that certain substances can be associated with depression, severe anxiety, panic attacks, psychotic episodes, and cardiovascular and liver disease.
More Drug-Related Crimes
During the same period, authorities recorded 131 drug-related criminal offences — covering trafficking and consumption — compared with 75 in the first half of 2025.
José Bambo, head of the GCPCD's Drug Prevention Department, said that awareness campaigns carried out during the semester reached more than 1.38 million people, primarily adolescents and young adults.
According to Bambo, more than 21,000 community activists were mobilised and over 14,000 outreach sessions were conducted in schools and communities as part of national drug prevention efforts.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/25/economia/desenvolvimento/consumo-de-drogas-levou-mais-de-17-mil-pessoas-aos-servicos-de-saude-no-primeiro-semestre/
