Nacada Faults Parents for Child Exposure to Alcohol Abuse

Some of the children left paralysed after receiving injections at Akichelesit Dispensary in Teso North, Busia County between April 7, 2013 and June 25, 2015.
Some of the children left paralysed after receiving injections at Akichelesit Dispensary in Teso North, Busia County between April 7, 2013 and June 25, 2015.
Daily Nation

The National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has accused parents of exposing their kids to alcohol abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Nacada said parents are taking alcohol at home in the presence of their children as bars remain shut due to restrictions introduced to help flatten the coronavirus curve. 

Chairperson Mabel Imbuga said the lockdown restrictions have resulted in an increase in the online sale of alcohol, making it easily accessible to children. 

“Online liquor sales have emerged as a big challenge. It is now easy for a youngster to order alcohol in the guise of an adult, from any of the easily available and accessible online suppliers then pick the commodity from anywhere away from their homes,” added Nacada Chief Executive Victor Okioma.

Nacada Chairperson Mabel Imbuga
Nacada Chairperson Mabel Imbuga
File

Latest data from the authority indicates that alcohol is the most abused drug and contributes to the highest-burden of substance use disorders. 

She spoke on June 26 in a Live Facebook event to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (Idada) 2020. 

She also accused some bars of hiding revellers in their closed premises disregarding the Covid-19 containment guidelines.

She said the Authority is working with the Ministry of Interior and other law enforcement agencies to address the Covid-19 related offences.

Alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic drinks
File

“We wish to warn those perpetuating the wrongdoings that the law will catch up with them,” she said.

Under the Covid-19 restrictions, bars are supposed to be closed with restaurants allowed to open until 7.30 pm. 

Earlier, The Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association asked for more establishments to be allowed to open and serve takeaways and for wider consultations as the Government works out ways to jumpstart the economy.

Data shows that alcohol (23.4%) is the most commonly ever used substance of abuse by students followed by ever use of khat/ miraa (17.0%), prescription drugs (16.1%), tobacco (14.5%), bhang (7.5%), inhalants (2.3%), heroin 1.2% and cocaine (1.1%).

 

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