By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, has heightened its efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, with Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa leading a public awareness campaign in Laikipia County today on 4th February 2025.
“Today, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, is leading a Sensitization, Public Awareness, and Capacity Building meeting on Drug and Substance Use in Laikipia County,” the Ministry of Health said on an X post.
The Ministry of Health has announced that the campaign features a three-day sensitization workshop in Nanyuki, which will convene essential stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, Community Health Promoters, and law enforcement personnel, aimed at enhancing the national response to substance abuse.
In her speech, Dr. Barasa reiterated the government’s dedication to executing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and upholding current public health regulations.
She emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts across various sectors to tackle the increasing rates of drug and substance abuse, especially among young people.
The Ministry of Health further said that it continues to engage communities through educational and enforcement strategies aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of tobacco and drug use.
According to the Ministry of Health, the initiative is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to improve public health standards and promote a healthier population.