| Drug-abuse is leading more and
more Kenyans into homosexual practices and the risks of contracting HIV/Aids, a study has
revealed. A UN study ostensibly conducted to find out
the extent and effect of drug abuse and trafficking in Kenya found out that increasing
number of Kenyans were using injectable drugs, commonly known as IDUs (intravenous drug
users).
While most of those who abuse drugs use personal incomes to
buy them, family pressure especially from the brothers was established to be an important
factor drawing many users to the vice.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC’s)
Study on the Assessment of the Linkages Between Drug Abuse, Injecting Drug Abuse and
HIV/Aids in Kenya, was conducted by a team of researchers led by University of Nairobi
scholar, Prof David Ndetei.
Covering Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Malindi, the findings
of the study was launched in Nairobi on Friday ahead of the International Day for Campaign
Against Drug Abuse which was observed on Saturday.
The theme for this year event: "Drugs: Treatment
Works", and activities around the world have been designed to dispel the
misconception that drug abuse is a permanent problem yet it can be treated.
A Minister of State in the Vice-President’s office
Jebii Kilimo who was chief guest at the occasion to mark the day called for the formation
of a national centre to rehabiliate drug users.
Also launched on Friday was UNODC’s (formerly UN
International Drug Control Programme) World Drug Report 2004.
The Kenyan study, like for the rest of the world showed a
strong linkage between drug abuse and HIV/Aids, but showed marked variations among the
surveyed towns.
"Homosexuality was found in both genders in all
cohorts except in Nakuru. It was highest in Kisumu. Only a minority used condoms always
...and thus the high awareness on HIV/Aids transmission was not reflected in sexual
practice" Ndetei remarked.
Sharing of needles was also found to be widespread. |
