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{
    "id": 1598834,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1598834/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 56,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Manyatta, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Gitonga Mukunji",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "addiction, support, training and deployment of personnel involved in the rehabilitation of such individuals, and to facilitate community-based programmes for prevention, treatment and reintegration. The country continues to grapple with a rising tide of drug and substance abuse that has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities across the nation. In recent years, an increase in the availability and consumption of illicit brews and narcotic drugs, particularly in vulnerable and undeserved areas, has compounded the situation. The proliferation of those harmful substances, often sold and consumed without regulation, has led to severe health challenges, increased rates of addiction, and broader social instability. While the Government has enacted punitive regulations and carried out enforcement operations targeting drug trafficking and illicit alcohol, there remains a significant gap in rehabilitation, treatment and reintegration services for persons struggling with substance use disorders. Despite the clear provisions of the law, the fund has not been operationalised to date, thereby impeding the development and expansion of rehabilitation infrastructure and services that are urgently needed to respond to the national drug and substance abuse crisis. Further, Article 43(1) (a) of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes mental health care and support for individuals with substance dependency. The continued delay in activating the rehabilitation fund undermines the fulfilment of that constitutional right. It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health on the following: 1. Reasons as to why the rehabilitation fund as established under Article 53 of the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act of 1994 has not been operationalised. 2. A report on the number, status and geographical distribution of rehabilitation centres that are operated by the Government. 3. Specific measures the Government has put in place to assist individuals that are struggling with drug and substance abuse, including community-based interventions and access to public rehabilitation services. I thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}