Researchers have found that khat, a flowering plant native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is linked to liver disease. Khat is commonly chewed in East Africa where it is called ‘miraa.’
A study by a group of researchers from Ethiopia, the UK, and Norway revealed that the use of khat may be causing chronic liver damage in the Horn of Africa.
“Since Khat is a major contributor to the development of chronic liver disease in this region, not recognizing this association means that its importance for public health will continue to be ignored,” said Dr. Stian Magnus Staurung Orlien of the Oslo University Hospital in Norway. “Further, given its legal status, social acceptability, and its widespread use, it will be extremely difficult to radically reduce the burden of liver disease in this part of the world of preventive measures for dealing with Khat chewing are not implemented.”
Khat is regarded as traditional medicine and as a result, it is generally accepted and not seen as harmful. Recently, a proposal to tax the importation of khat from Kenya to Somalia almost caused a diplomatic dispute between both countries. About 20 flights are reportedly used for exporting khat from Kenya to Somalia. However, the number of flights has been reducing since Somali traders started buying khat from suppliers in Ethiopia.
On Wednesday, khat traders in Mogadishu joined the growing diplomatic dispute between Kenya and their country. The Khat Traders Association of Somalia threatened to finally halt their purchase of khat from Kenya.
“We cannot trade the country’s sovereignty and national boundaries for Kenya’s Miraa business. We resolved to shift our market to Ethiopia from tomorrow,” said Qoobe Mohamud Qayliye, the Khat Traders Association of Somalia said last week Wednesday.
Considering the deep interest in this plant, the researchers think it will take a lot to change the regional perspective of khat.
“Tackling this problem will be complex and will require a multidisciplinary approach with considerable input from health and addiction services and from political and religious leaders, both in local communities, as well as at the governmental level,” the researches said in a statement. “A first but essential step is to recognize the existence of khat-related liver disease and to place it firmly on the agenda at future stakeholder meetings.”
