Health CS Leads Awareness Campaign on Tobacco and Substance Abuse in Laikipia County
The event brought together a broad spectrum of key stakeholders, including healthcare workers, Community Health Promoters, and law enforcement officers.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa. Photo/Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, has launched an intensive public awareness campaign in Laikipia County.
Led by Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Deborah Barasa, the initiative aims to tackle the harmful effects of tobacco and substance abuse, particularly among the youth, and promote healthier lifestyles across the country.
The campaign kicked off with a three-day sensitization workshop in Nanyuki, a central hub in Laikipia County.
The event brought together a broad spectrum of key stakeholders, including healthcare workers, Community Health Promoters, and law enforcement officers.
These groups are critical to strengthening Kenya’s national response to substance abuse, with the workshop focusing on collaborative efforts to combat the issue at all levels of society.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Barasa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), as well as existing public health regulations aimed at curbing tobacco and drug-related harm.
The CS emphasized that the rising trend of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, demands urgent action and a unified approach to address the root causes and effects of addiction.
“The government is fully committed to the implementation of the FCTC and strengthening our public health laws,” Dr. Barasa said. “However, these efforts must go hand in hand with the active participation of communities, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to ensure that we can effectively reduce the harmful effects of tobacco and substance abuse.”
The sensitization campaign is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to improve public health standards and promote healthier living.
The Ministry of Health is working diligently to engage local communities through educational outreach, advocacy, and enforcement strategies to mitigate the dangers posed by tobacco and drugs.
By equipping both the public and health professionals with vital knowledge, the government seeks to not only raise awareness but also foster preventative measures to reduce substance abuse and its detrimental impact on society.
The three-day workshop will continue to focus on strengthening partnerships and sharing effective strategies to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse in Laikipia and beyond.
Through these efforts, Dr. Barasa and the Ministry of Health aim to create a healthier and more informed population, where the youth, in particular, are protected from the destructive effects of drug and tobacco use.
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