Deputy President Leads Fight Against Killer Brews in Mt Kenya
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finds himself in a monumental struggle as he takes on the dangerous alcoholic drinks plaguing Mt Kenya.
With a reported death toll of 26 in just two weeks, Gachagua states that influential individuals,
backed by corrupt security officers and local administrators, are deeply entrenched in the illegal trade and unwilling to let go.
They employ various tactics, including court orders, threats against politicians, and smear campaigns, to protect their illicit activities.
National government administrators also face dire consequences if they dare to intervene.
In Kirinyaga, recent arrests of police officers for stealing and selling methanol have further highlighted the extent of this crisis.
Alcohol-Related Deaths: A Global Health Crisis:
Alcohol, a substance with addictive properties, has been an integral part of cultures worldwide.
However, harmful alcohol consumption is exacting a devastating toll on society,
resulting in significant disease burdens and far-reaching social and economic consequences.
Alcohol-Related Disease and Mortality:
According to World health Organization (WHO),the perilous use of alcohol serves as a leading cause of over 200 diseases and injuries-
leading to a staggering 3 million deaths annually worldwide.
Shockingly, this accounts for 5.3 per cent of all global fatalities.
Disturbingly, approximately 13.5 per cent of total deaths among individuals aged 20-39 can be attributed to alcohol consumption.
Men are disproportionately affected, accounting for 7.7 per cent of global deaths compared to 2.6 per cent among women.
Burden of Disease and Injury:
WHO says that,Alcohol consumption contributes to 5.1per cent of the global burden of disease and injury, as measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
Mental and behavioral disorders, noncommunicable conditions,
and injuries are among the range of health issues associated with this harmful behavior.
Moreover, the impact extends beyond health consequences, inflicting significant social and economic losses on individuals and society at large.
Social and Economic Consequences:
The detrimental effects of alcohol extend beyond the drinker, causing harm to family members, friends, co-workers, and even strangers.
The social ramifications of alcohol consumption are particularly severe in impoverished societies,
where adverse health impacts and societal consequences are amplified.
Additionally, alcohol-related injuries, including those from road traffic accidents, violence, and suicide, predominantly occur within younger age groups.
Link to Mental and Behavioral Disorders:
Extensive research has established a causal relationship between harmful alcohol consumption and a range of mental and behavioral disorders.
Furthermore, alcohol use is linked to the incidence and outcomes of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and HIV.
Pregnant women who consume alcohol also put their unborn children at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and complications during pre-term birth.
Factors Influencing Alcohol Consumption and Harm:
Various factors at both individual and societal levels influence alcohol consumption levels, patterns, and the magnitude of associated problems.
Societal factors encompass economic development, culture, social norms, alcohol availability, and the implementation and enforcement of alcohol policies.
Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to experience greater health and social harms from alcohol consumption.
Additionally, age, gender, family circumstances, and socioeconomic status play crucial roles.
Context and Drinking Patterns:
The context in which alcohol is consumed plays a significant role in the occurrence of alcohol-related harm, particularly through alcohol intoxication.
The volume of alcohol consumed and drinking patterns, including episodes of heavy drinking-
determine the impact on chronic and acute health outcomes.
