Zimbabwean Youths find cheap highs in used diapers, sanitary pads

Experts say the prevalent drug abuse and innovative new ways of it highlight a lack of social nets as Zimbabwe’s economy continues to tank.

Harare, Zimbabwe – In Kuwadzana, a high-density residential suburb in the Zimbabwean capital Harare, the day begins as early as 5 am for many of the working class, from vegetable sellers to Thomas Gundawo (last name changed on request), a 19-year-old bus conductor.

For loading a 7-seater vehicle after soliciting passengers at the top of his voice at the bus stop, he gets ZWL$100 (US$0.45). By 8 am, he would have pocketed only about US$3, insufficient to buy food and either broncleer – a street drug mixture of cough syrup with alcohol and codeine – or dagga (marijuana).

Source: Aljazeera