Lamu parents urged to support boy child amid rising drug addiction linked to neglect
Recent estimates indicate that around 45 per cent of men on Pate Island are struggling with drug addiction, sparking concern among health officials and community leaders.
Parents in Lamu County are being urged to provide equal care and guidance to both boys and girls, as experts warn that neglecting the boy child is contributing to a surge in drug addiction cases.
Kizingitini Deputy County Commissioner Alphonse Nduti emphasised the importance of giving equal attention to both boys and girls, warning that the neglect of the boy child is a major factor driving substance abuse.
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“Parents must treat the boy child with the same care and concern as the girl child. Ignoring their emotional and social needs is partly to blame for this crisis,” he added.
Current estimates suggest that about 45 per cent of men living on Pate Island are grappling with drug addiction, raising concerns among health and community leaders.
The call was made during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the Faza Sub-County Hospital grounds.
This year’s global theme was “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention.”
Kizingitini Deputy County Commissioner Alphonse Nduti who emphasised the importance of giving equal attention to both boys and girls. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
The event attracted a wide range of participants, including government officials, healthcare providers, youth representatives, and civil society groups, all united in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Nduti discouraged the youth from using a lack of employment as an excuse to engage in drugs.
“Unemployment should not push young people into drug use. There are healthier and more constructive ways to cope with life’s challenges,” he said.
NACADA Coordinator for Lamu and Tana River counties, Lucy Wairimu, encouraged the public to report drug-related cases through the national toll-free helpline, 1192.
Wairimu also spoke about the positive impact of medically assisted therapy (MAT) services currently running in Lamu and Faza, which are helping individuals on the path to recovery.
“These treatment centres are not just about addressing addiction, they help restore broken families and give the youth another shot at a meaningful life,” she said.
Dr Mohamed Mude, the focal person for MAT and mental health in the county, wrapped up the day with a strong call for prevention.
“Let’s break the chain of addiction and disrupt organised drug crime,” he said.
The awareness event was organised with the support of several organisations, including NACADA, MEWA, Stawisha Pwani, the Kenya Red Cross Society, Lamu Press CBO, Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), Faza Youth Action Group, Lamu Women Alliance, and the Lamu County Department of Health.
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