Government hires 90,000 community health workers to battle drug abuse

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Nakhumicha S. Wafula, joined hands with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, fellow CS Kithure Kindiki, local leaders, and security personnel to attend a conference on illicit brews, drugs, and substance abuse in the Central Kenya region.

The event aimed to address the issue of substance abuse in the region, which poses a significant health risk and contributes to many other diseases.

Speaking at the conference, the CS highlighted the significant social and economic consequences of alcohol and substance use. She said, “Lost productivity, violence, STIs, teenage pregnancy, family pain, and harm to youth development are just some of the impacts. It’s time to address this issue as a society.”

To combat this problem, the government has hired 90,000 community health workers who will play a vital role in identifying individuals affected by alcohol addiction and providing necessary assistance. These CHVs will start their work from next month, and their presence is expected to bring a significant change to the region’s health landscape.

Alcohol addiction is a severe issue that affects many Kenyans, and the prevalence of illicit brews in the Mt. Kenya region exacerbates this problem. To address this, local health facilities need to be well-equipped to handle mental health issues, which can drive people into alcohol addiction, she said.

The collaborative effort of various stakeholders in addressing the issue of substance abuse is a welcome development, and it highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach in tackling this problem.

The government’s efforts to hire community health workers is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that this initiative will yield positive results in the fight against substance abuse..”

Local leaders also pledged their support in the fight against substance abuse, and they emphasized the need for a sustained effort in addressing this problem.

Overall, the conference was a productive forum for discussing the issue of substance abuse in the region, and the government’s initiative to hire community health workers was received positively by all stakeholders. With a concerted effort from all parties involved, it is hoped that substance abuse in the region can be significantly reduced, and the health and wellbeing of the people can be improved.