Lilongwe: The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has called on parents to be present and involved in their children’s lives to help prevent drug and substance abuse, which has been affecting the youth population.

According to Kenya News Agency, Florence Amoit, a Director at the NACADA Board, emphasized the critical role parents play in preventing drug and substance abuse. Speaking to the media during the Drug World Day event at Lilongwe Stadium in Mutituni, Machakos County, Amoit highlighted the importance of parental vigilance and guidance. She noted that public education on positive parenting is essential since many cases of drug abuse stem from upbringing.

Amoit urged parents to be vigilant, alert, and available to provide necessary guidance to the youth. She also highlighted the significance of World Drug Day in celebrating efforts made over the years to combat drug abuse. Since establishing their office in Machakos, NACADA plans to network and raise visibility while collaborating with local communities.

The Director revealed that the choice to celebrate in Mutituni was strategic, as it is a hotspot identified by authorities. NACADA has initiated several projects to address the issue, including youth sensitization on the effects of drug abuse. A football match between local teams Kamuthanga Queens and Mua Queens for women, and Kamuthanga FC and Freetown Simba FC for men, was organized to engage with the youth.

Amoit explained that the football tournament aims to keep the youth engaged, hone their skills, and potentially turn their talents into productive endeavors, thereby steering them away from drug abuse. She commended NACADA’s efforts in combating drug abuse through crackdowns on illicit brews and narcotics, which have resulted in arrests and prosecutions.

NACADA has also developed guidelines and life skills programs for schools and collaborates with rehabilitation centers to ensure their standards meet necessary criteria. Additionally, they have partnered with community-based organizations such as Jiwakilishe and Youth for Sustainable Development (YSD) in Machakos to mentor and support the youth.