In a bid to combat the rising challenges of drug abuse and mental health issues in Lamu County, stakeholders have called for a collaborative strategy to address these critical concerns.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held earlier today, which brought together key players from various sectors including government officials, mental health experts, community leaders, and civil society organizations.

During the forum, mental health experts urged the County Government of Lamu to prioritize mental health in its development planning.

They specifically called for the inclusion of mental health initiatives in the Lamu County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).

“Mental health is a crucial yet under-addressed issue in Lamu County, a collaborative approach can foster positive change and create lasting solutions to the challenges our communities face.” said one of the presenters at the event.

Participants at the meeting acknowledged that the high rates of drug abuse in the county have exacerbated mental health problems, with many individuals struggling to access the support they need.

They emphasized that improving mental health services, raising awareness, and integrating mental health support into the broader development framework are essential steps toward addressing the issue.

The forum concluded with a strong call for action from all stakeholders to work together, leveraging their resources and expertise to drive a meaningful impact in tackling both drug abuse and mental health challenges in Lamu County.

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For more information, contact the communication office at communication@lamu.go.ke.