Kenya: Alcohol Destroys Families, Communities
Alcohol abuse is leading to premature deaths. Urgent action is needed from all of us especially our leaders to tackle this issue of public interest, before any more lives are lost,” writes Gladys Burini in the Daily Nation.
The alcohol norm, however, even in Kenya – a country where the majority of people do not use alcohol – is so pervasive that alcohol use is being glamorized all over:
- The media depicts alcohol abuse as a laughing matter.
- Social media posts adds to the glamorization of alcohol and the normalization of alcohol problems.
- Society lacks the tools and understanding to address alcohol-related problems.
- Young Kenyans grow up in a culture that teaches them to glorify alcohol intoxication.
Alcoholism is sadly not considered a matter of grave concern,” Burini writes.
WHO Global Status Report 2014
The harms are many
Globally, use of alcohol causes 3.3 million deaths every year, 320,000 of these are among 15 to 29 year-olds. Alcohol is also the third leading risk factor for ill health globally.
One of the most dangerous direct physical health consequences of alcohol is disabilities and addiction. Illnesses such as liver cirrhosis, heart diseases, and even cancers are alcohol-related. Also HIV/ AIDS and tuberculosis, road traffic accidents and violence against women and girls are fueled by alcohol.
All these conditions put a strain on public health and sustainable development in Kenya, with the family of the user often being the most aggrieved.
Public awareness is important, and more so is political action to address availability, affordability and marketing of alcohol in Kenya.
Alcohol abuse is leading to premature deaths. Urgent action is needed from all of us especially our leaders to tackle this issue of public interest, before any more lives are lost.”
