The National government is once again being challenged to involve local Anti-drug Organisations in the Coast region in the battle against drug use among local communities.
Vocal Anti-drug activist, Taib Abdulrahman said the government should recognise the work done by local Anti-drug organisations in the entire region and join hands, in a bid to make the fight successful.
Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday, the Reachout Centre Trust, Executive Director, noted that is some occasions, the National government has been conducting various events in the Coast region—initiating various programs but clearly sidelining the local organisations which have been at the grassroots level, mending the ribbon.
According to Mr Taib, the government should not reinvent the wheel but instead work in unison with the dedicated organisations at the grassroots level, understand the strides made in harm reduction efforts and know where to intervene as the government, so as to impact the fight against drugs especially among the young people.
Concerned
“Recently, the Interior Cabinet Secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki visited the region and announced steps made by the government in curtailing the illegal drug trade in the region, which is a good gesture. We also welcomed the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the region on the same mission, we term this as a good political will. However, none of these government officials fully engaged the local Anti-drug organisations to chat any progressive actions and policies,” revealed the Anti-drug lobby, Reachout Centre Trust Leader.
Taib, said working in unison and involving the local organisations in critical steps in the fight against drug use in the Coast region will bring transformative impact and save many young people who are trapped in the menace.
“We have been working on Demand reduction and Harm reduction processes, however, the government should work on the Supply chain so that when we merge these three aspects we are assured of right steps in the right direction in achieving our objectives of treating and saving the productive age that is disintegrating following the drug menace mostly in the Coast region,” added the anti-drug Czar.
Political goodwill
The activist however, noted that when the local activists are fully involved the political goodwill expressed by the government in battling drug menace in the country and in all other government initiatives they will facelift the fight against drug use among local communities and mostly the youthful generation.
“However, political goodwill in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the country should not be changed to politicizing the whole issue—as this may negatively impact the gains attained in the demand and harm reduction processes,” said the renowned Anti-drug activist in the country.
Taib, however, called for concerted efforts in achieving progressive drugs policies which will in turn enable people with drug dependence disorders access universal health services, counseling and reintegration so that they become productive again and responsible people to their own families and the larger society.
