Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has taken a significant step in addressing the growing concern of substance abuse in the country by declaring a national emergency. The move comes in response to the increasing use of a dangerous synthetic drug known as kush, which has led to numerous deaths and severe psychiatric issues among users.
The lethal mix of marijuana, fentanyl, and tramadol has been wreaking havoc in Sierra Leone for the past four years, with no official figures available on the exact number of fatalities. President Bio, in a late-night address, expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of kush on the nation's youth, referring to it as a threat to the country's foundation.
To combat this crisis, a national task force on substance abuse will be established, bringing together various sectors of society under the supervision of a presidential advisory team. The task force will implement a comprehensive five-step strategy aimed at creating a drug-free future for Sierra Leone.
The affordability of kush has made it particularly appealing to disenfranchised and unemployed youth in a country where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty. The drug has also made its way into neighboring Liberia, further exacerbating the issue.
Local communities have been vocal in urging the government to address the scourge of substance abuse and provide support for individuals struggling with addiction. Abdul Jalloh, the head of Sierra Leone’s sole psychiatric hospital, has lauded President Bio’s declaration as a crucial first step in tackling the pervasive issue of drug use.
