The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has partnered with various organisations in Homa Bay County to fight drug abuse.
The Authority’s coordinator in Homa Bay, Samson Wambisa, said the collaboration was geared towards overcoming a myriad of challenges in the fight against drug abuse.
He said one of the major impediments they face in the fight includes lack of support from communities.
Wambisa said despite efforts to eliminate drug abuse, a number of people do not want to take part in the same campaign.
He however said despite the obstacles, they are putting more effort into addressing the challenges.
“NACADA has realised that it cannot work alone and succeed in the fight against the abuse of drugs. The concerted efforts will ensure reduced drug abuse,” Wambisa said.
Speaking yesterday during a youth sports tournament at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay town, the NACADA official said drugs affect families, homes, workplaces and communities.
They called for more collaboration in addressing the menace.
Wambisa was accompanied by County Environment Chief Officer Diana Ongere, Youth Affairs Director Silas Raba and members of the county community working group.
Wambisa said the agency was conducting a campaign in the county dubbed prevention week to sensitise youths about the effects of drugs.
The campaign culminated at the stadium where NACADA and county community working group for alcohol and drug prevention organised a sports tournament to engage youths and teach them about the effects of drug abuse.
A report by NACADA dubbed Status of Drugs and Substance Use among University Students in Kenya revealed that alcohol, tobacco, miraa and bhang are the most consumed drugs.
Wambisa said it is a reflection of what is consumed by other people.
He said youths are more affected by drug abuse and most of them lack information about the effects of using the substances.
“We are working to debunk myths about drugs because they lead to negative consequences such as school dropouts,” Wambisa said.
Ongere and Rabah said Homa Bay government will continue to use sports as a tool of fighting drug abuse.
“We welcome such collaborations because they are meant to help our children have a good life in future. We’re supporting education of some children from poor families to avoid school dropouts,” Ongere said.
Lydia Hongo and Willis Omullo who are members of county community working group said women bear the brunt of drug abuse.
“Some women face other forms of threats like sexual violence. This needs to be addressed,” she said.
Omullo raised concern about continued production of illicit brew and counterfeit alcohol.
He said this has made some regions have a lot of alcoholics who are economically unproductive.
“People should take advantage of rehabilitation centers to treat drug addicts,” Omullo said.
By Davis Langat
