See more BNEWS on Google
At least 17,783 people sought treatment at health facilities in Mozambique during the first half of 2026 due to mental and behavioural disorders associated with the use of drugs and other psychoactive substances.
The figure represents a 58.6% increase compared with the same period in 2025, according to data presented by the Ministry of Health during the release of the report on drug use and illicit trafficking in the country.
Salma Iuraimadam, a representative of the Ministry of Health, said the use of multiple substances remains the main reason for seeking psychiatric and mental health services, accounting for 7,372 cases.
Alcohol consumption ranked second, with 5,469 cases, followed by cannabinoids with 1,502 cases and opioids with 1,100.
People aged between 21 and 35 accounted for the highest number of cases, a situation that concerns the authorities because it affects a significant share of the population of school and working age.
Maputo City recorded the highest number of cases, while Nampula, Manica and Cabo Delgado also reported high levels of cases linked to the use of multiple substances.
Health authorities warn that excessive drug use can contribute to family conflicts, abandonment of responsibilities and the breakdown of relationships, while also increasing the risk of depression, severe anxiety, psychotic episodes, cardiovascular disease and liver problems.
At the same time, the Central Office for Drug Prevention and Control intensified awareness campaigns. During the first half of the year, more than 1.38 million people were reached, mainly adolescents and young people.
More than 21,000 activists were mobilised and over 14,000 awareness sessions were held in schools and communities.
The data also show an increase in drug-related crime. A total of 131 cases involving drug trafficking and consumption were recorded, compared with 75 during the same period in 2025.
The National Criminal Investigation Service opened 418 drug-related cases in the first half of the year, up from 250 in the same period last year, while the Attorney General’s Office handled 651 cases, compared with 418 previously.
As part of efforts to combat trafficking, authorities seized around one tonne of cannabis, as well as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines.
Investigations indicate that some of the heroin seized was linked to routes originating in India and Pakistan, while cocaine was mainly associated with Latin America, particularly Brazil.
The report also points to an increase in the number of Mozambican nationals detained abroad for drug-related offences, rising from 42 to 56.
By the end of the first half of the year, 812 people were being held in Mozambique for drug-related crimes.
The National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (Anamola) is holding its National Council meeting this Saturday, September 26, in Maputo, to assess its first year of activity and define priorities for the party’s next phase of organisation.
The Brazilian Government has decided to ban fixed-odds betting platforms, known as “bets”, and has set a timetable for removing websites and apps operating in the country. The measure was formalised through a Provisional Measure signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Mozambican Government has accepted 284 of the 292 recommendations presented under the fourth cycle of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, committing to measures aimed at strengthening the protection of human rights in the country.
Mozambican driver Kayo Cêra, 13, claimed his fourth consecutive victory in the CKA Karting Championship, in the Junior Max class, after winning the fourth round held at the Automóvel & Touring Clube de Moçambique karting circuit.
Choose BNEWS as a preferred source and see more of our reporting when you search on Google.
Mozambique’s national football team drew 1-1 with Senegal on Friday, September 25, in the opening match of the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Mozambican Government has launched a process to select a private investor, consortium or strategic partner to establish and operate a vehicle assembly plant in the country through a public-private partnership.
President Daniel Chapo, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Defence and Security Forces, has pledged to strengthen support for members of the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces, while acknowledging challenges related to equipment, logistics, infrastructure and professionalisation.
The Maputo City Tax Court has concluded its review of Galp’s appeal against a €151.5 million capital gains tax assessment related to the sale of its stake in Area 4 of the Rovuma Basin.
