Religious leaders pledge to work with Nacada in war against alcohol, drug abuse

Religious leaders in the country have reiterated their commitment to work with the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse in the country.

This is after the authority on Wednesday held a meeting with religious leaders from different faiths across the country to review the status of alcohol and drug abuse in the country.

During the meeting, the leaders acknowledged that the country is confronted with a serious and growing problem of alcohol and drug abuse with overwhelming effects on the social and economic development of the people.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Nacada board chairperson Stephen Mairori and the CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the leaders had further raised concern over reports of emerging drugs that are highly potent and easily available to both the young and old.

"The havoc caused by drug abuse is borne by families who have witnessed the deterioration of their loved ones into addiction and consequently suffered unemployment, drug-related illnesses, family breakages and reduced income," Mairori said.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the authority and religious leaders would collaborate in conducting public sensitisation and advocacy to educate Kenyans on the facts and dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

This will be done through forums and various engagements with children, youth and families as well as investment in mass media campaigns towards dissemination of drug abuse messages through various channels.

They further agreed to take part in the design and running of treatment rehabilitation facilities in order to provide much-needed support to people affected by drug addiction.

They will also collaborate in sharing information on perpetrators, illicit manufacturers, sale and consumption of alcohol and drugs as well as report on emerging trends in the community to enhance compliance and enforcement of laws related to alcohol and drug abuse.

The Church of God overseer in Nairobi Reverend Daniel Omamo said the religious leaders had agreed to work hand in hand with Nacada to ensure the menace of drug abuse is combated.

"From now onwards we are going to make sure that we deal with this thing, particularly our young men who have been mostly affected and make sure we relieve them from this menace," Omamo said.

"We have a great concern for our young people who are addicted in drugs and alcohol and because they are our brothers and sisters we would like to offer a hand in bringing them back home," Sister Mary Nyambura from Catholic University said.

Nyambura said the focus will also be on relapse to ensure those addicted to drugs and are get reformed do not go back to drugs.

Sheikh Yusuf Abu Hamza from the Supkem said no one will be left behind in the fight against alcoholism adding that addicts are people who need help hence the need for religious leaders to assist them in overcoming the challenges.