MINISTRY OF HEALTH COUNTY SENSITIZATION ON DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE CONTROL PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AND COURTESY CALL TO THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF MACHAKOS UNIVERSITY

The Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, has launched a series of workshops aimed at addressing drug and substance abuse in all counties. The inaugural three-day workshop was held in Machakos County and concluded on November 20^th, 2024, with a highly attended public awareness event at the Machakos University Hotel and Grounds. The event, the first of ten planned nationwide, attracted over 1,000 participants, underscoring its significance and the public’s commitment to combatting this critical issue.

Key stakeholders including healthcare workers, community health promoters, enforcement officers, and members of the public participated in the workshop. The sessions focused on sensitizing attendees to the pressing need for collective action against drug and substance abuse while equipping them with tools to address the challenge effectively.

On the final day, officials from the Ministry of Health paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of Machakos University. During the meeting, critical aspects of the County Sensitization on Drug and Substance Abuse Control program, were discussed including:

1. Strategies to address drug and substance abuse effectively.
2. Rationale for Drugs and Substance Control
3. Legislative measures for combating drug and substance abuse.
4. Approaches to support affected individuals.
5. Collaborative efforts to strengthen interventions.
6. Tobacco Control: Including rationale, legislative frameworks, and emerging tobacco products (NENTPs).
7. Promoting unity among key players in the fight against substance abuse.

A key highlight of the discussions was the Ministry’s proposal to collaborate with Machakos University in creating and rolling out short courses on drug abuse awareness, prevention, and counseling. The program will aim to train and certify healthcare workers, community health promoters, and the public in Machakos County and its neighboring regions.

The workshop was a significant step toward fostering a multisectoral approach to tackling drug and substance abuse. Machakos University remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health and empower local communities.