County plans to train Change agents to combat alcohol and drug abuse

Kiambu,

Tuesday January 9 2023,

KNA by Grace Naishoo

The Kiambu county department of health has embarked on training of change agents across its 60 wards to combat alcohol and drug abuse.

The County Director for Public Health and Sanitation, Teresiah Kariuki, met with Youth Advisory Champions for Health to plan for the recruitment and selection of change agents.

The meeting with Youth Advisory Champions for Health members, focused on 'Going an Extra Mile' to promote community well-being.

Kariuki said the training will focus on equipping the change agents through the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) curriculum training that focuses on combating alcohol and drug abuse.

The county plans to have a trained Change agent in every 60 ward conducting public education on the effects and dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

The youth acknowledged the growing issue of alcohol and drug abuse in the country, which significantly impacts social and economic development.

Hence, County Director Public Health emphasized the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, leading to unemployment, drug-related illnesses, family breakages, and reduced income.

They further agreed that sanitation will also be done through forums and various engagements with children, youth and families and also investment in mass media campaigns towards dissemination of drug abuse messages through various local channels.

They concluded that tackling the menace of drug and alcohol abuse in Kiambu County requires a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, NGOs, community leaders, and individuals themselves.

Last year, Nacada report shows low alcohol use among youth in Kiambu County, with 1.4% of eleven-year-olds and 28.9% of sixteen-year-olds having gotten drunk at some point. 

Courtesy; KNA