Bio
Dr. Beatrice Kathungu is a full time faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Kenyatta University, Kenya. She is a practicing Psychologist and Clinical supervisor in the field of Counseling Psychology and addiction treatment in Kenya. She is widely published, has won research grants, presented in numerous conferences, as well as authored several papers in the field of addiction science. She teaches Counseling Psychology and Addiction Science related courses and has successfully supervised several Masters and PhD students in Kenyatta University in the same areas. She was instrumental in the adaptation of the Universal Treatment Curriculum(UTC) into a university based academic program, the Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction treatment Science being offered at Kenyatta University. Dr. Kathungu is a member of the ISSUP Kenya executive board as well as a member of the editorial board for the African Journal of Alcohol and Drug abuse (AJADA).She is a Global Master Trainer with Colombo Plan and is credentialed as an addiction professional (ICAP ). She is the current coordinator of the International Consortium of Universities on Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR) Africa region, and is providing leadership and mentorship in development of university based drug demand reduction academic programs as a contribution towards professionalizing the drug demand reduction field.
Abstract
ICUDDR supports the rapid improvement in competencies and skills among current and future generations of addiction professionals, to meet the demand for prevention, treatment, and public health services. We facilitate networking among universities to promote high quality education and training in the field of addiction. The regional arms of ICUDDR network, brainstorm, then develop and implement actions towards the goals in the region. Different regions have had unique output depending on the assessed needs and interests in the area. These include a comprehensive implementation course in Africa, networking and membership strengthening in Latin America and the Caribbean, online courses in prevention in Europe, and training and education through webinars and other formats in Asia. Consultations have been provided around the globe in both UTC and UPC to help improve the quality of work being done in these areas. Champions have been identified in much of the world who are exemplary examples of the work being done to provide quality substance use disorder education. Presenters from different regions will share the process of building their coalitions in their area, reaching out to other stakeholders, growing their addiction studies programs, providing education, assessing needs, and more about their work.
