Acid Graphic Elements Filled Complex Sparkle

Overview

The consumption of toxic, illegally brewed alcohol, and the abuse of drugs ​among Africa’s youth pose significant barriers to achieving the Sustainable ​Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined in both Agenda 2030 and Agenda

2063. This issue not only threatens individual health and safety but also ​undermines public health and erodes the fabric of society, hindering ​economic stability and impeding progress towards a healthier, more ​prosperous future. Numerous cases of death and hospitalisation have been ​recorded due to exposure to these toxic substances. Furthermore, many ​people who have been using narcotics such as cannabis, khat (miraa), toxic

alcohol and any other forms of drugs have had serious health issues, including ​mental health disorders, HIV/AIDS from needle sharing, and other diseases. ​These substances present a serious challenge to the development and well-​being of individuals and communities across the country. The State, through ​its diverse services, struggles to address the phenomenon. Public health and ​law enforcement are constantly in alert and strive to fight this prohibited ​practice that has affected social relations and economic stability.

The Informal Market's Role in Health

Accessibility - Greater Africa

Street medicine, also referred to as the "informal market," ​plays a significant role in the healthcare systems of several ​African countries, including Guinea, Cameroon, Congo, ​Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Ivory Coast. This market is ​characterized by its high accessibility, convenience, and ​affordability, becoming an unofficial core part of the health ​system. The growth of the informal market is both a response ​to and a consequence of the failure of states to provide ​adequate medicine to their populations. This paper explores ​the dynamics of the informal medicine market, its impacts on ​public health, and the reasons behind its preference over the ​formal healthcare system, focusing on a case study from the ​Ivory Coast.


Understanding Drug and ​Substance Abuse Patterns - Kenya

Drug and substance abuse (DSA) is a significant public ​health concern in Kenya, impacting individuals, ​families, and communities across various ​demographics. Understanding the prevalence, types, ​and patterns of DSA is essential for developing ​targeted interventions that address the specific needs ​of different age groups and genders. This paper ​presents findings from a comprehensive study ​conducted in four counties, highlighting key insights ​into the nature and extent of DSA in Kenya.


Sustainable ​Development ​Goals

SDG Industry Innovation and Infastructure Icon

A high standard of living, ​quality of life and well-​being for all citizens.

The issue of SD3 leads to severe health ​consequences, including mental health ​disorders, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases, ​straining public health resources and ​undermining economic stability. Addressing ​this crisis requires integrated strategies that ​strengthen healthcare, enhance law ​enforcement, promote education, and ​empower communities to foster a healthier, ​more prosperous future for all Kenyans.


Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in Agenda 2030 and ​Agenda 2063 requires addressing numerous challenges, particularly in the realm of ​public health. In Kenya, the rampant consumption of toxic, illegally brewed alcohol ​and the abuse of drugs among the youth significantly impede progress towards ​these goals.




SDG Life Below Water Icon
SDG Good Health and Wellbeing Icon

Make cities and human ​settlements inclusive, ​safe, resilient and ​sustainable.

good health and ​well-being

The social fabric is eroded as addiction disrupts ​family structures and community relationships, ​while economic stability is undermined by ​decreased productivity and increased burden ​on social services and law enforcement. To ​address these challenges, a comprehensive ​approach involving stricter regulations, public ​awareness, access to rehabilitation, community ​engagement, and addressing socio-economic ​factors is essential.

The high incidence of deaths, hospitalizations, ​and health complications such as mental ​disorders and HIV/AIDS from needle sharing ​burdens the healthcare system and undermines ​community well-being. The negative social and ​economic impacts hinder the development of ​inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and ​settlements, making it imperative for coordinated ​efforts involving public health, law enforcement, ​and community organizations to address this ​challenge effectively.

Lost Generation: Curse or ​Cause for Concern?

The complex societal phenomenon may require a holistic ​approach for an effective change in people’s behavior. The ​State’s intervention alone, that consist in the provision of ​public health and law enforcement, is not enough. ​Community-based initiatives, often supported by NGOs ​and groups, play a crucial role in providing education, ​prevention, and rehabilitation services at the local level. It is ​within this framework that Wezesha, in collaboration with ​Undugu Place of Peace and Street Medicine Africa are ​organizing a Symposium that would bring together ​international experts, NGOs, agencies, groups and those ​working to combat illicit alcohol and drug use in Kenya, to ​promote sharing and networking across disciplines and ​sectors.

Upcoming Symposium

Objectives: Illicit Alcohol and Drug ​Abuse in Kenya

To convene stakeholders to ​share experiences and articulate ​strategies for tackling this ​significant issue as a shared ​responsibility.


2

Participants will identify gaps and ​collaborate to address the root ​causes of illicit alcohol and drug ​abuse, learn from others ​providing support to those ​affected, and ultimately work to ​reduce the prevalence of ​substance abuse in society.

3

To build and strengthen

cooperation among medical

practitioners, NGOs, and

universities, encouraging

continued conversation on illicit

alcohol and drug abuse control.


Member Organizations

Established in 2010 Wezesha Swahili for ​‘empower’, is an African Diaspora led ​Development organization that aim to support, ​promote and empower African Women, ​Children and Youth, who have been affected or ​are likely to be affected by issues of conflict, ​violence and poverty. The organization works in ​collaboration with local groups and ​stakeholders in establishing partnerships to ​raise awareness and to end sexual and gender-​based violence and poverty. With Headquarter ​in Dublin, Wezesha has branches in Kenya and ​Democratic Republic of Congo.

Initiated in 2023, SMA key objective is to convene and ​facilitate the exchange of ideas, skills, and experiences,

fostering a culture of learning and collaboration ​through conferences, workshops and meetings for ​professionals working with individuals affected by illicit ​alcohol and drug use and abuse, or those working in the ​area of health and with vulnerable groups. SMA seeks ​to foster sharing and networking across disciplines and ​sectors, identify gaps and strategies, and address the ​growing challenge of alcohol and drug use and abuse in ​Kenya. There is also a hope to replicate this model in ​other African countries.

In December 2023, former staff members of the ​Undugu Society of Kenya came together to ​establish a collaborative effort to combat the ​ongoing, serious problem of alcohol and drug ​abuse. Applying their expertise, knowledge, and ​experience gained from working with ​vulnerable communities, primarily in the slums ​of Nairobi, the group oversees two innovative ​initiatives. The first, Undugu Place of Peace, ​runs a rehabilitation program for individuals ​affected by alcohol and drug abuse.

Symposium Registration

Tickets Here!

Contact Information

Phone Number: +254745618073

Email: streemedicineafrica@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/streetmedafrica/

X: https://twitter.com/StreetMedAfrica

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/streetmedicineafrica