The Ministry of Health has unveiled a nationwide initiative to combat the escalating crisis of drug and substance abuse, with a focus on the most affected regions. This comprehensive campaign, spanning all 47 counties in 10 clusters, aims to empower communities with the knowledge and resources necessary for addiction prevention and recovery support.
During a recent stakeholder meeting in Mombasa, which convened representatives from six coastal counties, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address the crisis.
“The fight against drug and substance abuse is a national priority. We must empower communities, strengthen enforcement, and provide robust support systems to break the cycle of addiction,” stated Muthoni.
The campaign follows concerning statistics indicating that 4.7 million Kenyans are using substances, with a particularly high dependency on alcohol and tobacco. The Ministry’s strategy includes awareness drives, capacity-building programs, and close collaboration with stakeholders to mitigate the growing crisis.
By strengthening community engagement, enhancing law enforcement measures, and fostering multi-sectoral partnerships, the initiative aims to create a healthier, drug-free society. The Ministry has called on all citizens, policymakers, and health professionals to support the campaign to ensure its success in tackling addiction and promoting national well-being.
