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{
    "id": 1590125,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1590125/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 55,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Fafi, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Farah Yakub",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the non-medical use of Tramadol and Benzodiazepine drugs in Northern Kenya. Hon. Speaker, the Northern Kenya region, particularly Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties, has been experiencing a growing public health and social crisis stemming from the rampant non-medical use and abuse of prescription drugs, notably Tramadol and Benzodiazepines, such as Diazepam. Tramadol is a static opioid painkiller intended for moderate to severe pain management, while Benzodiazepines, such as Diazepam are prescribed to treat anxiety, seizures and insomnia. Although these drugs serve a legitimate medical purpose, they are highly addictive and when misused, can lead to profound cognitive and behavioural effects, including physical dependency, mental disorientation, aggressive behaviour and in extreme cases, respiratory depression and death. When abused in combination with other substances such as alcohol and Miraa ( khat ), these drugs severely impair judgement and reaction time, leading to increased risk of accidents, violence, criminal behaviour and mental health disorders. Hon. Speaker, according to a 2021-2023 rapid assessment conducted by the National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), one out of every five males between the age of 15 to 30 years in Wajir County admitted to having used Tramadol or a related sedative without a prescription. It is also reported that over 35 per cent of all drug- related hospital admissions in Wajir County are directly tied to Tramadol and Benzodiazepines misuse. Schools in the region have reportedly been reporting escalating cases of truancy, violence and mental breakdowns among students. This crisis is compounded by the unregulated sale of homocycle drugs by chemists and informal vendors in porous borders, especially with Somalia and Ethiopia, which facilitate The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}