Kenya showcases its commitment to gender-sensitive drug policies at the 2025 CND meeting, highlighting the need for inclusive interventions. Dr. Stephen Mairori emphasizes the unique challenges faced by women and proposes targeted interventions, including free rehabilitation services. Kenya’s revised National Drug Control Policy aims to address barriers women face in treatment access, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation in drug control efforts.
Kenya has reiterated its dedication to integrating gender-sensitive approaches into drug policies during the 2025 Commission on Narcotic Drugs meeting in Vienna. This commitment acknowledges the unique challenges faced by men and women regarding substance abuse and advocates for inclusive interventions.
Dr. Stephen Mairori, Board Chair and Head of the Kenyan Delegation, emphasized the need for gender-responsive drug control measures that recognize the differing patterns of drug use and consequences affecting each gender. He highlighted the necessity of adapting rehabilitation frameworks to enhance accessibility and effectiveness for all.
Acknowledging that substance abuse has a more profound impact on women, Dr. Mairori proposed targeted interventions such as establishing women-only rehabilitation centers tailored to specific needs, including childcare and safety.
In response to these challenges, Kenya has reviewed its National Drug Control Policy to incorporate strategies that consider gender. The updated policy addresses barriers that women face in accessing treatment and integrates solutions to improve their service-related hurdles.
In an effort to enhance participation in treatment programs, NACADA has introduced free rehabilitation services for women at the Miritini Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa. Dr. Mairori noted, “We recognize the low uptake of rehabilitation services among female drug users, and in response, we are offering free services at Miritini to remove financial barriers.”
Kenya’s focus extends to fostering collaboration with county governments and stakeholders to implement gender-specific prevention and rehabilitation initiatives. Dr. Mairori emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue among policymakers and researchers to align national strategies with global best practices for gender-sensitive drug policies.
The session was co-sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Norwegian government, offering a platform for experts to discuss gender disparities in drug policies. Dr. Mairori concluded, “As we move forward, we must ensure no gender is left behind in our drug control efforts.”
This event highlights the significance of global cooperation in fostering inclusive drug policies that address the distinct needs of all genders, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a leader in advocating for gender-sensitive approaches in drug control.
In conclusion, Kenya’s dedication to integrating gender-sensitive approaches into drug policies marks a significant step towards addressing the unique needs of men and women. By revising national policies and implementing free rehabilitation services for women, Kenya demonstrates its commitment to inclusive interventions. The emphasis on global collaboration and ongoing dialogue among stakeholders is essential for the success of these initiatives.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
