Nairobi:Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Kirinyaga County have been urged to take an active role in tackling illicit brews and drug abuse. This initiative involves creating awareness and supporting rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Commissioner Shufaa Omar Mwijuma addressed a stakeholders’ meeting, which included the County Security Committee, CHPs, and business community members. She called on CHPs to participate in the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) campaign targeting alcohol and substance abuse.
Mwijuma emphasized that CHPs are strategically positioned to aid this campaign due to their direct contact with households throughout the county. She encouraged them to educate community members on the dangers of substance abuse and guide affected individuals towards seeking rehabilitation and support.
She highlighted the various social and health issues linked to excessive alcohol consumption, such as sexually transmitted infections and crime, which also affect young children. Mwijuma stressed the importance of CHPs in identifying individuals suffering from withdrawal symptoms, directing them to medical facilities, and facilitating access to treatment services.
Catherine Kimui, a coordinator from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), pointed out that many Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in Kirinyaga are related to drug and substance abuse. She emphasized the need for CHPs to prevent alcohol and drug abuse at the grassroots level and support affected individuals.
Kimui also highlighted the impact of addiction on increasing stress levels within families and stressed the importance of early intervention, counseling, and rehabilitation. She encouraged community sensitization to dispel myths about substance abuse and recommended referring victims to accredited rehabilitation centers, including utilizing NACADA’s toll-free number 1192 for assistance.
The County Commissioner has been engaging with various stakeholders to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, health workers, security officers, businesses, and communities to address the challenges posed by illicit alcohol and substance abuse in Kirinyaga.
