023: Substance Abuse on The Rise – With Kelem Kejela

Substance use continues to be a growing major public health concern in Africa. Recent studies infer an overall estimated prevalence of 42% among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.* Unfortunately, this phenomenon is not adequately documented across many settings in the continent despite known negative health and social consequences on affected individuals and their communities. 

Kelem recollects her firsthand experience with her brother battling substance abuse and mental health issues, which ultimately resulted in his sudden demise. We also talk about the high prevalence of substance abuse especially among young Africans, the associated psychosocial problems and the comprehensive intervention and treatment programs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

*Data from WHO (World Health Organization)

Meet Our Guest :

Kelem Kejela is a nurse practitioner who currently works for the UN in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as head nurse for the United Health Care center. She is a mother of two children Daniella (20yrs old – 3rd year) in university and Ben (17yrs old senior) in High school. She is a board member of two NGOs that work with young girls and people with Epilepsy and she is passionate about serving her community.

Contact Our Guest:

• E-mail: ktk780@gmail.com

Things You Will Learn in This Episode: 

[00:01 – 05:00] Introduction

• Getting to know our guest

[05:00 – 25:00] Who was Alex?

• Growing up with Alex
• Dealing with the pressure of manhood and societal pressures
• The beginning of his struggle with substance abuse
• Sending him to rehabilitation and his relapses
• The situation surrounding him ending his life
• Giving life to Alex’s story

[25:00 – 40:00] Stereotypes, Therapy, & Mental Health

• The pressure men deal with within our society
• The lack of counseling and therapy for men
• Elaborating more on other substance abuse stories
• The stereotypes surrounding people with substance abuse issues
• How the actions of our community affect people dealing with substance abuse

[45:00 – 55:00] The Prevalence of Substance Abuse Among Adolescents 

• What is causing the high substance abuse in Africa and Ethiopia specifically
• The illicit substances being abused in Ethiopia and some parts of Africa
• Some treatment centers and healing options available in Ethiopia
• The need for more awareness and regulation of prescription drugs
• The lack of counseling and treatment centers
• How to reach Kelem

[55:00 – 57:00] Final Words

• Kelem’s final words
• Anyoh’s final words

Quotes

“We all know one or two family members or people in our communities who are struggling with substance abuse and there are those who are having mental health issues compiled with substance abuse so we must talk about these issues and stop covering it up.” –  Kelem Kejela

“For the street kids, there is no home. Their home is on the streets and the girls on the streets are having babies in the same conditions which will create a vicious cycle so we must find solutions to this problem. Africa as a whole needs to address this issue as a priority with peace, food security, and other lingering issues.” –  Kelem Kejela

“Mental health and substance abuse are new to Africans but I honestly feel that the emergence of social media has exacerbated the use of substance abuse because the western culture has kind of romanticized the use of drugs in lyrics and movies which kind of makes it cool.” –  Anyoh Fombad

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Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more. Connect with host, Anyoh: You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).

Thank you for listening.