- She noted that only a synergistic approach by all stakeholders could end drug and substance abuse in the county.
- Achani connected the high rate of drug abuse in the coastal region to the rise in teen pregnancies
Image: SHABAN OAMR
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has said her administration will intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Achani said the social vice poses serious danger to the present and future generations.
She noted that only a synergistic approach by all stakeholders could end drug and substance abuse in the county.
The governor said they will work with stakeholders on creating awareness activities on the ills of drug abuse in subcounties
She said that her administration was committed to the eradication of the scourge owing to its adverse effect on society and expressed her readiness to make the coastal county drug-abuse-free.
The governor has admonished the youths to desist from drugs and substance abuse because the effects on users are detrimental to the growth of society and the economy.
She explained that substance and drug abuse pose dangers of mental health problems and depression among other risks to the abusers.
Achani said this when addressing Muslim and Christian religious leaders in Kwale town under the banner ‘Kwale County Religious Advisory Council.’
She promised to engage the clerics in the fight against the social menace.
The discussion with the religious leaders was centred on the prevention of drugs and substance abuse among the youths.
She tasked the religious leaders to continue promoting and preaching good moral values among the youth for the peaceful co-existence of the society.
“Our religious leaders should continue instilling good moral values among the youth for a better society,” she said.
Achani said she will be stepping up the campaign against illicit drugs and other banned substances and called for the active participation of all stakeholders to realise a ‘drug-free Kwale.’
“Let us stand together shoulder to shoulder to fight this drug menace and enlist the support of all,” she said.
She noted that the future of the country rested on the youth, hence it was necessary for them to grow up with a sense of discipline.
The governor also underscored the need for all stakeholders to come together and deal with drug addiction, which she said threatens to turn an entire generation of young people in the county into zombies.
''Many drug addicts are suffering from withdrawal symptoms like body malady, sickness and disorder due to prolonged drug use,'' she said,
Achani connected the high rate of drug abuse in the coastal region to the rise in teen pregnancies, new HIV infections and sexual and gender-based violence cases among young people.
She further added that the Kombani Methadone and Drug Rehabilitation Centre has ensured those affected by drugs get treatment, which allows them to rejoin the community as rehabilitated persons.
Achani disclosed that more than 700 recovering victims have received services from the Kombani centre, while some are receiving counselling and behaviour therapy.
She asked the stakeholders to work with the various rehabilitation centres in the region to assist victims.
“I am glad that most of the affected persons have turned to Kombani Methadone Centre to help them take it one step at a time and keep them on their path to sobriety,” she said.
Achani said the devolved unit has resorted to Medication Assisted Therapy, where the drug addicts are given methadone (a powerful drug used for pain relief and treatment of drug addiction).
Methadone provides a feeling similar to that of heroin but keeps the addicts from having withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
County Religious Advisory Council chairman, Sheikh Hamisi Mwachirumu, noted that the interfaith forum would involve proactive measures to address the drug menace.
Sheikh Mwachirumu stressed the need for collaboration in the fight against the use of illicit drugs and peddlers.
The cleric noted that while rehabilitation of drug addicts was important, combating its abuse and peddling was equally important.
Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya Church, is targeting to train 200 faith leaders from all interfaith, including Kaya elders and schools, to sensitise the community on drug abuse issues.
The FPFK with support from International Aid Services, a partner from Denmark, is set to conduct a twelve-month pilot project targeting intervention measures on drugs and substance abuse, dubbed Faith Community Against Drug Abuse.
The FPFK delegation team included pastor Esther Kamau, bishop David Kiragu and Emmanuel Pendo, the Facada project leader.
The Muslim and Christian clerics have asked the young people to desist from vices such as radicalisation, crime and drug and substance abuse that can jeopardise their future.
Meanwhile, according to the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada), hundreds of youth are addicted to drugs in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties as substance abuse continues to be a challenge for the authorities.
The anti-drug agency says the alarming rate of hard drug use among the youth in the region has assumed a worrisome dimension, despite persistent campaigns against the vice.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)