Ministry Of Health launches Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) Story by Albert Bwana.

Ministry Of Health launches Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT)

Story by Albert Bwana.

Kenya’s ministry of health in partnership with the United States has launched a Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) treatment program that reduces craving for opoids and drug dependency.

Speaking during the launch at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital , Cabinet secretary for Health James Macharia lauded the initiative noting that it will transform the drug addicts to fit in the society as they have been neglected. .

He called upon parents to be watchful on the ongoing of their children with whom they spend time with to avoid cases of them being trapped in the drug abuse that might destroy their lives.

“It is projected that over 9000 drug users will be enrolled on MAT over the next five years “ said Macharia  adding that more than 380 injected heroin users in Nairobi and 144 in Malindi have been initiated this year.

In the venue the US Ambassador Robert Godec adduced that US play a major role through donations in the ministry of health in fighting drug abuse for the safety of youngsters who are to drive the Kenyan economy ahead.

The Ambassador added that HIV is a threat to the nation as it kills urging the youths to be weary of it and use protection as it is a safety measure.

“Drug addiction robs the life of the user totally as he/she is neglected in the society “ said Godec.

Steven Mwangi a drug addict, narrates his story by saying his life changed completely when he was introduced by his friend where he started using all types of drugs making him to pickpocket people to get money and and use it to buy drugs,he travelled in the major towns of Kenya doing the evil things until well-wishers came to his help .

Steven was later taken for rehabilitation for guidance and counseling and he came to terms that drugs can really kill and destroy ambitions and he reformed.

The Director of medical services, Nicholas Muraguli thanked the US government for the kind of support they offering and urged the Kenyan government to cheap in some donations in pushing forward the programme .

“It is estimated that 18,000 people living in Kenya are injecting illicit drugs like heroin for non medical reasons using needle by sharing putting their lives into a risk of getting other diseases “said Muraguli.

The MAT program was started in Mathari Teaching and referral Hospital in Nairobi Dec 2014 and in Malindi hospital 2015.Plans is underway to expand the program to coast provincial general hospital, Kisauni Health centre, Kwale hospital and Nairobi county clinics.

Ends.