Mombasa — The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) recently hosted its first conference focused on substance use and related disorders. The conference was organized in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, Linnaeus University in Sweden, and various health experts.
According to Kenya News Agency, President of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Kenya, the event served as an important platform for professionals to discuss evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing the challenges posed by substance use disorders globally.
The conference’s theme, ‘Strengthening Substance Use Research and Evidence-Based Intervention,’ emphasized the need for research and evidence-based approaches in the field. It brought together experts from multiple sectors, including researchers, practitioners, and delegates, to exchange ideas and best practices.
ISSUP is a non-governmental organization committed to developing a professional network focused on substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. With over 29,000 members globally, ISSUP plays a pivotal role in connecting professionals from diverse sectors such as research, government, and mental health organizations. The Kenyan chapter of ISSUP, founded in 2016, has been actively working to promote substance use prevention and treatment nationally.
Dr. Kaithuru highlighted that substance use disorders remain an urgent global issue with a substantial gap in effective prevention, treatment, and recovery support. The conference also exposed the lack of a solid evidence base for many current interventions in the field. “The role of recovery support is often overlooked. Moreover, professionals in this sector often do not receive the recognition they deserve, resulting in a fragmented and non-collaborative approach,” said Dr. Kaithuru.
In line with ISSUP’s mission, Dr. Kaithuru added that the organization aims to professionalize and expand the network of professionals working in substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. ISSUP is committed to providing its members with access to high-quality information based on evidence-based practices. “We strive to create a knowledgeable and effective professional workforce by connecting digital tools, representing national and international communities, and developing knowledge systems for evidence-based practices,” concluded Dr. Kaithuru.