Stakeholders in the fight against alcohol and drug use have called for collective approach to the eradication of alcohol harm in Kenya.
Led by Blue Cross Kenya, the stakeholders staged a match I Kisumu on September 21, noted that despite efforts to eradicate the alcohol menace through legislation, enforcement remains inconsistent across many counties, with loopholes that allow the illegal sale of alcohol to flourish, especially in rural and informal settlements.
Other stakeholders included; Kisumu County Government, NACADA, churches, civil society organizations, partner schools, and community members.
Through the theme; ‘Sober Communities, Stronger Communities’, they matched through the treats of Kisumu, before addressing school children and youths on the negative impacts of alcohol and drug use.
‘alcohol remains a leading cause of many public health and social problems, including gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies, and mental health complications’-Benter Ndeda, Chairperson- Board Of Directors Blue Cross Kenya
Benter Ndeda, Chairperson- Board Of Directors Blue Cross Kenya noted that there is need to strengthen monitoring mechanisms at both national and county levels, increase research efforts to understand alcohol consumption patterns, and ensure that interventions are evidence-based.
“Counties must take responsibility for implementing the measures outlined in the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act holding themselves accountable for the well-being of their citizens,” she said.
According to Ndeda, women, particularly those affected by the stigmatization tied to alcohol abuse, bear a disproportionate burden of this crisis.
She noted that the social shame, violence, and marginalization that come with alcohol-related issues have led to irreparable losses of promising young lives.
“Additionally, alcohol remains a leading cause of many public health and social problems, including gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies, and mental health complications,” she said.
Anti-alcohol walk
Ms Ndeda said the Alcohol Prevention Awareness walk serves as platforms for educating the public, fostering community dialogue, and empowering individuals to make informed choices about alcohol use.
Blue Cross – Kenya is an affiliate of the International Blue Cross (IBC), a global health organization working on preventing alcohol and substance use among children and youth in Kenya.
IBC plays a key role in advancing international cooperation through comprehensive prevention programs, aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
IBC work extends to 66 schools, churches, and partnerships with both government and non-state actors.
“IBC is committed to promoting healthy, addiction-free lives by utilizing evidence-based prevention models, fostering strong collaboration among member organizations, and upholding a Christian value-based approach that integrates physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being,” said Ndeda.
She added: “Together, we can break the stigma, support recovery, and prevent future generations from falling into the same destructive patterns.”
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