Connecting the Parallels – Uniting Treatment and Prevention for Effective Drug Management in Kenya
You are here: Home / Connecting the Parallels – Uniting Treatment and Prevention for Effective Drug Management in Kenya
Tackling the cross-cutting issue of substance abuse in Kenya requires joint multi-sectoral efforts. Governmental, non-governmental, and private sector organizations and individuals are all key stakeholders in addressing and mitigating the social causes and effects of addiction and substance abuse. However, in Kenya and the rest of Africa, most focus on drug prevention is directed at under-18-year-olds, mostly students in primary and secondary schools. Treatment, on the other hand, is mainly focused on adults who are in addiction or recovery, ignoring elements of prevention as a protective factor also for adults. Any sustainable strategy demands a holistic approach, connecting prevention and treatment.
Through the support of the Swedish Institute, the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), Sober Life International, Students Campaign Against Drugs, and Unheard Voices Afrika aims to bring together prevention and treatment actors in 3 different regions of Kenya namely: Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa, to promote synergized interventions rather than working on parallel fronts as is the case. Connecting these spheres will allow for more integrated and sustainable strategies for prevention and treatment for both groups mentioned above in the future.
Since October 2023, the implementing organizations have planned and carried out 4 forums and community engagements in target regions of Kenya; Kisumu in the South Western region and Nairobi, the Capital City of Kenya. The Project will be finalised in 2024.