In Summary
- Counties adopting a demand reduction approach
- Ongoing counterfeit alcohol crackdown and closure of liquor outlets
- Calls to include harm reduction services
Vetting of liquor outlets,crackdowns on the sale and manufacture of illicit brews has been the norm in the country when lives are lost from consumption of counterfeit liquor.
The recent happenings in Kirinyaga county saw similar action taken by the county leadership .
Demand Reduction Approach
The demand reduction approach has been termed by some stakeholders as one that punishes the user more than it punishes the seller .
In developed societies ,demand reduction,supply suppression and harm reduction goes hand in hand .
In this case governments invest in law enforcement,boarder controls while taking care of the addicted population in forms of prevention programs and treatment,rehabilitation ans re-integrations.
Bigger Picture
In Kenya we have a big population of young people who are jobless hence the need to support youth programs,job creation and nurture talents .
Without this in mind drug barons take advantage with an already existing ready market.
Porous boarders means little or no control with drugs coming in and instances of bribery and corruption.
What Now?
Bernice Apondi ,Chief Executive Officer , Vocal Kenya says we need more community prevention programs .
Additionally she says every school,church,university should have prevention programs addressing drug use .
Institutions should also have a social worker,a psychologists while seeking to develop employee assistance policies that incorporate continuum of care services at the workplace;
Mathew Mutiso a mental health advocate argues that the question should be WHY are people drinking? but what we are currently addressing is WHY is there alcohol?
Health services are also considered central to tackling harm at the individual level among those with alcohol-use disorders and other health conditions caused by harmful use of alcohol.
Health services should provide prevention and treatment interventions to individuals and families at risk of, or affected by, alcohol-use disorders and associated conditions.
Restrictions on availability that are too strict may promote the development of a parallel illicit market.
