023: Substance Abuse on The Rise – With Kelem Kejela

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Substance use continues to be a growing major public health concern in Africa. Recent studies infer</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">an overall estimated prevalence of 42% among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span><strong>*</strong> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">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. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p><strong>*</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Data from WHO (World Health Organization)</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Meet Our Guest :</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p><strong>Contact Our Guest:</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"> <strong>E-mail:</strong> <strong>ktk780@gmail.com</strong></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Things You Will Learn in This Episode: </strong></p> <p><strong>[00:01 – 05:00] Introduction</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Getting to know our guest</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>[05:00 – 25:00] Who was Alex?<