Konchora Gurach
28 June 2004
Nairobi — 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.
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