Sierra Leone Declares Emergency Against Kush Abuse

Sierra Leone Declares Emergency Against Kush Abuse

Sierra Leone’s president, Julius Maada Bio, has taken bold action by declaring a national emergency to confront the widespread problem of drug abuse in the country. For years, Sierra Leone has been grappling with the pervasive influence of Kush, a dangerous blend of addictive substances.

President Bio has characterised Kush as a severe threat, labelling it a “death trap” and emphasising its status as an “existential crisis.” The situation has escalated to the point where security measures have been tightened in cemeteries to prevent addicts from disturbing graves in search of human bones, a key ingredient in Kush.

The sight of young men, their bodies swollen from Kush abuse,

has become distressingly common in Sierra Leone. Despite the evident risks, addiction maintains a firm grip on individuals, as one recovering addict admitted to enjoying the drug despite its harmful effects.

While an official death toll remains undisclosed, medical experts have noted a troubling rise in fatalities attributed to organ failure caused by Kush, particularly in the capital city of Freetown. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in admissions related to Kush-induced mental health issues at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital.

In response to this crisis, President Bio has established a National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, charged with addressing the Kush epidemic. Plans are underway to establish support centers staffed by trained professionals across the country to aid those battling addiction. However, the sole operational drug rehabilitation center in Freetown currently operates with limited resources.

Beyond providing treatment, the government aims to disrupt the drug supply chain through law enforcement measures,

including investigations and arrests. Local authorities have also sought police assistance to prevent gravedigging, underscoring the urgent need for community involvement.

Critics have expressed concerns about the government’s perceived lack of a comprehensive strategy to combat Kush abuse effectively. Nevertheless, Dr. Abdul Jalloh, head of the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital, views the emergency declaration as a crucial step toward addressing the issue, signaling a commitment to allocate resources and intervene decisively.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist, as highlighted by Marie, a grieving mother who lost her son to Kush addiction. She stresses the importance of sustained action beyond the presidential declaration to tackle this pressing societal issue.

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