By PETER ORENGO
Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading risk factor for chronic diseases, Public Health Minister Beth Mugo has said.
Ms Mugo said the latest statistics show that alcohol-related diseases had overtaken HIV and Aids in deaths.
She said cases of heart diseases, liver failure, diabetes, cancer and pancreatitis in hospitals had increased.
"Alcohol and drug abuse is causing detrimental health and social consequences to youth. It is time to face the challenge by giving it priority to save our nation," said the Public Health minister.
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Speaking at a women’s training forum on alcohol and drug abuse in Central Province, Mugo warned that the problem was prevalent in Nairobi and Central.
The minister said apart from the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill (2009), which awaits the President’s signature, the Ministry of Public Health is keen to adopt the World Health Organisation strategy for the reduction of harmful use of alcohol.
Negative impacts
Parliament passed the Bill on June 25. Among other measures, the Bill seeks to curb the negative health, social and economic impact associated with adulteration and excessive use of alcoholic drinks, including illicit brews.
The National Campaign Against Drug Abuse CEO Jennifer Kimani said the Government would only support chang’aa brewing because it recognised the fact that those choosing to consume it needed to do so in dignity and without fear of being harmed.
