Western region continues to report high cases of alcohol consumption and mental health challenges according to the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) Regional Manager Sarah Koske.

Addressing a meeting at Malaba Township Primary School during the International Day Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse on June 26, Koske said the latest research carried out in 2022 puts the region in the lead.

She regretted that the region has seen a rise in the number of people hooked to traditional brews like chang’aa and busaa.

“Western has overtaken Central region, which led in the 2017 research. We have taken the trophy and it is here with us. What are we going to do with it? Do we celebrate? She posed.

Koske said the prevalence not only threatens public health but also undermines socio-economic stability, noting difficulties in educating children and family upkeep exacerbated by substance abuse.

“In the next three years, when the next research will be conducted, we need to wake up and work together to reverse this embarrassing trend. Taking children to school is a problem, and so is running families,” said koske.

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Mental health problems have been attributed to excessive drinking of alcohol and use of drugs.

“These problems need a concerted effort to mitigate in Busia County and the region as a whole,” said Koske.

Amagoro Assistant County Commissioner Titus Kosgei noted that in Teso North alone they destroy at least 500 litres of illicit liquor daily, adding that the sub-county is leading in Changaa, and Kangara consumption.

“Teso North leads in the county in production, smuggling and consumption of illicit liquor. We destroy more 500 litres of changaa daily not forgetting sacks of bhang we intercept being smuggled daily,” said Kiptoo. 

He urged the local administration and police to remain vigilant to save future generations as the region has become a leading illicit brew and drug production, and consumption zone.

Already, Nacada has set up a office in Busia County to support the fight against alcohol drug abuse.

Ken Marau, the newly-appointed Nacada coordinator in Busia County promised to work with all stakeholders in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse at the border town.

Malaba Municipality Manager Francis Asoyong thanked Nacada for choosing Malaba to host this year’s International Day Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

He said the venue of the event was timely, considering that the town is a porous border and the gateway to Central Africa.

St Thomas Amagoro Archdecon Rev Ben Oriama urged parents to give guidance to their children and act as their role models to discourage them from engaging in alcohol and substance abuse.

Busia County Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives Executive Olakachuna Omuse said the county administration has invited tenders for completion of a rehabilitation centre in Butula in the coming financial year.