Counties tasked to enforce ban on alcohol, tobacco sales near schools

KIMANI TIRUS-KNA

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed the ban on alcohol and cigarette businesses operating near learning institutions across the country.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, directed that no business selling alcohol or cigarettes should operate near learning institutions, in a bid to protect learners from alcohol and drug abuse.

Muthoni also challenged county governments to ensure that all key stakeholders in the education sector enforce compliance with the directive.

“If you see such businesses near schools in your area and the county government is not acting let me know and I will come and shutdown that business,” Ms. Muthoni said.

The PS, who was addressing a gathering in Muiri, Ol Kalou constituency in Nyandarua County, urged the public to observe hygiene during the rainy season saying many diseases break out during such rainy weather.

The PS called upon the people living in the same locality to ensure homes have toilets saying open defecation is a health hazard.

“People should clear stagnant waters and ensure there are toilets in their homesteads to avoid open defecation because when it rains flood water can wash human waste to homes thus causing illnesses,” the PS said. 

On drug abuse and addiction among youth, Muthoni urged parents to be extra vigilant saying drugs are being sold in form of e-cigarette that looks like pens.

She said the Ministry of Health has scaled up vigilance against importation of drugs and substances by seizing and destroying such imports before they leave the country’s airports.

Concerning Community Health Promoters (CHPs) activities in Nyandarua, Muthoni said that over 18,840 households have been registered in the County.

She also noted that CHPs conducted 3,870 diabetes screening clinics where several people were referred to hospital for further care.

“They have also screened 2400 people for hypertension and over 300 people were referred to hospital,” added PS.

She said the national government is facilitating county governments to equip their health facilities to stop people from seeking services far away from their localities.

Muthoni said from July this year the Ministry of Health will start paying SHA contributions for the CHPs however added that they will continue getting their monthly stipend.

She warned men against self-medication saying the practice has seen many go to hospital when their conditions are at critical level.