National Aids Control Council (NACC) chief executive Dr Ruth-Laibon Masha has expressed concern at the rising wave of drug abuse among the youth.

Masha sounded the alarm that the country risks losing the young generation, particularly in the coastal region to drugs, alcohol and substance abuse.

She said the social vice had become a multi-faceted problem, which requires a multi-dimensional approach from stakeholders in tackling.

Masha, a public health expert, contends that stigma and discrimination prevent those suffering addiction from seeking help.

Speaking at the Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa yesterday, Masha said stigma is a public health issue that contributes to high rates of death, incarceration and mental health concerns among dependent populations.

Addiction treatment

“One of the barriers to getting addiction treatment is the societal stigma surrounding the whole issue,” she said.

She underscored the need for public awareness campaigns in combating the stigma around substance use so that people can feel safe accessing the treatment and support they need.

“The society needs to stop seeing addiction as a moral failure but see it as a health issue that deserves compassion and support from every quarter,” she said.

She noted that reducing stigma and discrimination against people experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use is paramount.

She was accompanied by Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata and other county and regional commissioners during the tour of the rehabilitation centre recently unveiled by the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse to a tune of Sh20 million.

The facility offers free drug treatment and rehabilitation services for recovering drug and substance users.