Diplomats For Health In Resilient Community

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a compelling and transformative training hosted by the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE). The sessions opened my eyes to the subtle and dangerous realities of harmful digital content—misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation—and the urgent need for digital responsibility in our communities. Each concept was clearly unpacked:  - Misinformation is false content shared without the intention to deceive.  - Disinformation involves intentionally misleading information, crafted to misguide.  - Malinformation presents facts that are maliciously shared to cause harm—like leaking confidential data with the intent of damaging reputations.  Through impactful case studies, especially in governance and public health, we saw how such content erodes public trust and deepens societal divides. Another key focus was hate speech. We delved into its forms, root causes, and practical solutions, strengthening our understanding o...

As we mark International Day Against Drug Abuse on today, June 26th, 2025, I write this not just as a health professional but as someone who has walked with communities, seen the pain of addiction, and felt the urgency for change. This year’s theme, “ Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a call to action. I’ve watched brilliant young minds waste away for lack of guidance, support, and opportunity. But I’ve also seen what hope looks like when a youth chooses mentorship over addiction, when a school, church, or community says “no more” and opens space for dialogue—and means it. According to the UNODC, over 296 million people used drugs in 2021—a 23% increase over the previous decade. In Kenya, NACADA reports that 1 in every 5 youth aged 15–24 has used drugs or alcohol. The evidence also tells us that prevention works. Research shows that up to 30% of substance use reduction can be achieved through early intervention—in schools, families, and co...

In today’s rapidly shifting world, the mental well-being of young people is more than a health concern—it's a human rights issue. From education and employment pressures to discrimination and digital overload, youth face challenges that affect not just their minds but their dignity and freedoms. The right to mental health is enshrined in international human rights law. Yet, millions of young people around the world still lack access to care, support, or even understanding. Stigma often silences them, and systems meant to protect them sometimes overlook their needs. This must change. Ensuring youth mental well-being means more than offering therapy or helplines. It requires safe schools, open conversations, informed families, inclusive policies, and spaces where every voice can be heard without fear. It means protecting identities, supporting dreams, and recognizing that mental wellness is essential to living a life of freedom and opportunity. When young people thrive mentally, they...

From the moment children are born, subtle rules begin to shape their world—rules rooted in long-standing gender norms. Boys are nudged toward trucks and toy swords, while girls are handed dolls and kitchen sets. These assignments may seem harmless, even playful, but over time they form the scaffolding of powerful expectations about how individuals should behave, think, and feel based solely on their gender. For boys and men, these expectations often include being physically tough, emotionally restrained, dominant, and hyper-independent. They're praised for strength and decisiveness but discouraged from showing sadness, fear, or vulnerability. These pressures don’t just limit personal expression—they can contribute to deep and lasting harm. The Hidden Toll on Men’s Mental Health Living under the weight of rigid gender norms can isolate men from their emotions and from others. Suppressing feelings isn’t a sign of resilience; it’s a risk factor for depression, anxiety, substance use, ...

In 2025, the conversation around masculinity is evolving—more urgently than ever. Amid rising mental health concerns and the continuing fight against gender-based violence, holding space for men has become a vital act of social change. At Diplomats For Health In Resilient Community (DFHRC ), we are committed to creating environments where young men are encouraged to show vulnerability, practice emotional honesty, and cultivate respectful relationships. We challenge the long-standing myth that violence or dominance equals strength. Real strength lies in empathy, communication, and accountability. By offering intentional spaces—whether through workshops, community circles, or peer mentoring—we empower boys and young men to question harmful stereotypes and rewrite their stories. These spaces become sanctuaries for reflection, growth, and healing. This year’s theme, Holding Space for Men, is more than a slogan. It’s a call to action. A reminder that we break cycles of violence not just...

Under the golden Nairobi sun, a mosaic of cultures, communities, and shared purpose came together on June 21st to honor the 11th International Day of Yoga. Held at the Sikh Union Club on Forest Road, this year’s celebration pulsed with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,”echoing a global call for harmony between body, mind, and planet. The event was a collaborative endeavor led by the High Commission of India in Nairobi, in partnership with the Hindu Council of Kenya and several other passionate supporters of wellness and unity. Against a backdrop of lush greenery and open sky, the day unfolded not only as a yoga gathering but as a profound symbol of intercultural friendship and holistic living. Attendees were treated to inspiring speeches tracing yoga’s ancient lineage and its evolution as a powerful tool for modern healing. Her Excellency, the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, offered warm remarks, expressing deep appreciation for Kenya’s enthusiastic embrace of yoga and ...

On World No Tobacco Day 2025, a powerful movement took to the streets of Nairobi, rallying for a healthier, tobacco-free future. From the historic City Stadium to Kaloleni Social Hall in Makadara Sub-County, passionate advocates—both young and old—walked together in solidarity, raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products.  This symbolic march was more than a procession—it was a message of advocacy, wellness, and healing. With banners held high and educational posters displayed proudly, participants exposed the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry and emphasized the importance of taxation as a means to fund public health initiatives. Along Jogoo Road, the energy was infectious, fueled by a live music band that underscored the urgency of the cause, while walkers engaged bystanders in conversations about tobacco control, countering industry misinformation, and educating youth on the critical risks associated with tobacco use. At Kaloleni Social Hall, the ...

Kenya’s battle against tobacco harm has made notable progress—smoking restrictions, awareness campaigns, and increased taxation on cigarettes have all contributed to fewer smokers. But the fight is far from over. While the clouds of cigarette smoke fade from public spaces, a new, stealthier enemy is taking its place: nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes. Marketed as modern, cleaner alternatives, these products hide a harsh truth beneath their sleek branding and influencer endorsements—they are not as harmless as they seem.    Rebranding Addiction  Tobacco companies have mastered the art of reinvention, adapting to shifting consumer preferences while preserving their grip on nicotine dependence. In Nairobi’s malls and online platforms, these nicotine products are sold as the “future”—smokeless, odorless, and socially acceptable. The youth, drawn in by convenience and false promises of safety, become the industry’s newest targets. But addiction remains unchanged, and the con...

SUICIDE PREVENTION 2024 Ways to Prevent Youth Suicide ; 1) Express your concern- It’s a myth that if you mention suicide, you might plant the idea. But by honestly and openly shares your concerns. You send an important message that you care and understand. 2) Really listen, with empathy- parents can be tempted to shut down an upsetting conversation. Listening with empathy involves; • Sensing someone`s emotion. • Imagining yourself in their situation. • Listening alliteratively to their experiences.  • Avoiding judgement and criticize.  • Showing genuine concern for them. • Offering support. • Respecting their feelings without trying to change them.  3) Maintain connection- Maintain connection with friends and loved ones you are there to support them. 4) Be compassionate – Express love, tell them you hear make sure they get help and support. 5) Trust your judgement – If one decides that they are having suicide thoughts but you doubt their honesty, trust your intuiti...

 Suicide Prevention   _Steps to help someone thinking about suicide_  1. Warning Signs- It includes thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Change in usual personality, change in sleeping patterns, withdrawing from family/friends / activities. Increase in risky behaviour such as substance abuse, self harm, promiscuous sex. 2. Active Listening - Just listen actively and be there for the person thinking about suicide. This has greatly helped the survivors. Offers compassion, avoid judgement, accept their feelings and validate their suffering  3. Directly ask about suicide- Asking about suicide is not that you plant an idea in someone's mind. Directly ask the person if they are thing about suicide or if they want to kill themselves. "Are you thinking about suicide?" "Are you thinking of killing yourself?" 4. Safety- looking for safety reduces the danger. If they say 'YES' they are thinking about suicide, ask them if they have a plan, if they do, ask them the way...

My name is Trevor Muindi and these is my story. My previous version was so disturbing, whereby, my behavior was so narcissism or lack of accountability or responsibility. Rudeness ruled over my vains whereas disrespect shuttered my sense of love and care towards my colleagues from work together with clients, family and my friends. These behaviors undermined me hugely especially when it came to team motivation or business goals, which bought by a resistance to change in my mindset. I also held with me temper tantrums which occurred in response to unmet needs or desires/frustrations. Not leaving out my unthinkable character, the villain Trevor was dishonest, selfish, unforgiving, unmerciful, wicked, grumpy, obnoxious and malicious. With these adapted character traits, I found myself engaged in doing drugs as well as a threst-hunger for alcoholism influence, which also spoilt my individual reputation in my surrounding community.  My transformation journey happe...

My name is Charles Odhiambo. I am 22 years old. I am a carpenter, an activist and advocate. Before joining Diplomats For Health In Resilient Community (DFH-RC), I had bad attitude towards others and I would easily get hungry. My transformation journey while in DFH-RC has not been that easy because I had to learn some things through the hard way like controlling my emotions but by the help of my fellow youths and mentors I have been able to manage my emotions in a more healthy manner. My greatest achievement in DFH-RC as a youth mentor is sharing my stories and knowledge as a way of helping others learn through my experience and the research that I do most of the time.The organization has given me a chance to go to different places and interact with people from different dimensions and this has boosted my knowledge on matters to do with mental health and Community as a whole.I sincerely thank the organization and every individual who are always steadfast to give us this kind...

My name is Emmanuel Ngarasi Wanyama a student  at Zetech University pursuing Bachelor in purchasing and supply chain management.I have always had a negative attitude towards Majengo and I always thought people who are there are criminals moreso youths.I also  did not have any knowledge concerning mental health but Diplomats For Health In Resilient Community (DFH-RC) has enabled me to understand it better and in a broader perspective.   I have also been able to interact with people from Majengo who have played a big role in  helping me to understand the community in a more positive way ,to appreciate it and to value the aspect  of giving back to the  community. DFH-RC has enabled me to understand the issues in our community and how as I young person I can resolve them through my own resilience.  In the near future,I see myself working on a huge project for our community  and  providing  youth platforms  f...

My name is Jay Abbas .I am a counselor and an artist at Diplomats For Health In Resilient Community (DFH-RC). Before joining DFH-RC, I was going through depression which made me anti social .I was introduced to the organisation by a program called Kumekucha Quest were I meet people from different places and got to interact with them and as the session went on, I got the opportunity to join the organisation through it's other programs such as men's metal health which enlightened me and helped me realize that there alot of people going through the same thing as I was . I became a member and started attending the sessions and from it I started facilitating the programs and played the role of a social worker. As a social worker I assisted in facilitating the sessions along with the counselors who also offered counseling   to  street children, street families and the community. From my hard work, I was elected as DFH-RC's CEO and from it I have been abl...

At some point in life, we have lost someone or something. These can be loss of a person either by death or losing friendships or relationships. A loss of something dear such as a pet or even losing a job, a chance to advance one’s career, a loss of a body part such as being amputated due to medical conditions and so many things that we have lost and made us feel sad and depressed at some point. There are 5 stages that we need to have an understanding on when we are going through grief and loss and help us in our healing process 1. Denial This is the first stage of loss and grief, at this point one feels like it’s a dream and one shall wake up and find all is well. In these stage the fact that loss has happened is not real and the belief that someone or something is still there is very strong. This is a coping way of the loss. 2. Anger At this second stage, a person goes through anger. An emotion that we feel is manageable and easily expressed when ones expectations are no...

Doing "me time" is important. Providing time for yourself in the middle of hustling lifestyle in this modern era can take control and increase your mental health and happiness. Spending time with yourself can also be a sign of prioritizing yourself and giving positive energy to your mental , emotional and spiritual well-being .  Rebooting Your Brain Having your brain always works actively is not healthy. It does not give your brain a chance to rest and recharge itself. Being alone without distractions allows you to clear your mind and focus.  Learn To Think For Yourself You often find it difficult to make choices or solve problems in a crowded group. You tend to follow what they think or do even if it contradicts what you want. Taking a "me time" can make you think deeper to hear your own voices and evaluate yourself.  Improve Your concentration Doing something you enjoy can help you relax and reduce the amount ...

Self care is a term that has become so common that it has almost lost it's meaning. However,self care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's wellbeing and happiness , particularly during stress . It is taking time from your busy daily schedule to make sure that your heart,body and mind have the potential to handle another day.Following are the different types of self care: 1. physical self care Doing a physical self care activity helps the body to run efficiently. This could include activities such as eating a healthy balanced diet, getting proper sleep, doing physical exercises daily, taking prescribed medications, regular physical check ups and managing your health. 2. Social self care Socialization might be considered as a self care activity for some. Social self care means enjoying and having fun with the people you love. It may imply goin out for coffee with your friend or planning a fabulous date night with yo...

Mental Health is now recognized as being profoundly important to growth, development, learning and resilience. Mental Well-being protects the body from the impact of life's stresses and traumatic events and enables the adoption of healthy lifestyles and management of long term illnesses.  Mental Well-being is a valuable resource for individuals , families and communities . It is associated with better physical health, positive interpersonal relationships and socially healthier societies.  It helps people to achieve their potential , realise ambitions , cope with adversity , work productively and contribute to their community and society . The social, physical and economic environments in which people are born, grow ,live , work and age have important implications for mental health.  Public mental wellbeing and preventing mental health problems should be key elements of every public health strategy because mental health influences all other hea...

Mental Health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, and it is especially important for people living with HIV to prioritize their mental health.  HIV can be a chronic and complex condition that can affect every aspect of a person 's life, including their mental health. People with HIV may experience a range of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma and substance use. These mental health issues can occur as a result of HIV related stigma, stress and other challenges associated with living with chronic illnesses. Ignoring or failing to address mental health issues can have serious consequences,such as worsening HIV outcomes and overall quality of life. Research shows that people with HIV who have untreated mental health problems are more likely to have poor adherence to ART, which can  lead to HIV treatment failure and development of drugs resistant HIV strain. Mental Health problems can also lead to social isolation, substances...

Soccer is a game that is played using feet. It is the most popular sport in the world. Soccer is an industry of millions of dollars transactions. At the pitch and even on Television most of the funs fully concentrates on the game and forget about life's ailing issues they have been going through.  The players on the pitch in order to perform, they have to concentrate 100% on the game. This makes them focus on winning through wanting to score many goals than their opponents. For the time they are on the pitch, players make sure that they posses the ball more than their opponents in order to create more chances of scoring and hence become winners.  When this happens they tend to forget their troubles, life stresses situations, negativities or whatever could have been disturbing their mental state disappears while enjoying fully each moment they are going through. They tend to live to the fullest each second of their lives during such events. Likewise the fans also fo...