The problem of drug and alcohol abuse and contraction of sexually transmitted diseases tops the list of worries and concerns among parents of most teenagers in the country.
A research that was carried out in Nakuru County by the African Network Against Child Neglect and Health (ANACNH) representative in Kenya Dr. Eunice Munga’sia indicates that most modern parents with children in secondary schools, colleges and universities fear that their teenage children will be hooked up in the world of drug and alcohol abuse and irresponsible sexual activities that may result to the contraction of Sexually Transmitted Diseases like HIV and Aids.
The health expert, while delivering part of the research’s findings on Tuesday during a Stakeholders Workshop on Childcare and Development at a Nakuru Hotel noted that majority of the parents are urban dwellers and educated people who understand the challenges of the two problems that directly affect youths in the country aged between 15-24 years.
“It is worth noting that most parents in the country are aware of the dangers that their teenage girls and boys are exposed when away from home. Majority believe that these problems are rife in schools and training institutions where the factor of influence caused by peer pressure is high,” said Mung’asia.
According to the health activist and expert, the government, through the ministry of health among other agencies like the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) and the National Campaign Against AIDS Disease should put in place more user friendly programmes in community centres, schools and training institutions that will ensure the safety of young people who are exposed to a myriad of socio-economic challenges.
“We cannot just seat back and continue worrying about the safety of our children. We should encourage the government and other stakeholder policy makers to come up with sustainable measures to mitigate these health hazards that threaten the lives of our young people,” she added.