Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has taken decisive action in response to the growing crisis of substance abuse in the country, particularly the widespread use of the dangerous synthetic drug known as kush. This highly addictive mixture of marijuana, fentanyl, and tramadol has resulted in numerous deaths and severe psychiatric harm to users since its emergence approximately four years ago.
President Bio declared a national emergency on substance abuse during a late-night address on Thursday, acknowledging the devastating impact of kush on Sierra Leone’s youth. He emphasized the urgent need to address the issue and announced the formation of a national task force on substance abuse.
This task force, comprised of representatives from all sectors of society and overseen by a presidential advisory team, will implement a comprehensive five-step strategy aimed at achieving a drug-free future for the nation.
Kush’s affordability has made it easily accessible to unemployed and disenfranchised youth, particularly in a country where poverty affects a significant portion of the population. The drug’s presence has also been observed in neighboring Liberia.
Local communities have been vocal in their calls for government intervention to combat the drug epidemic and provide assistance to those struggling with substance abuse.
Abdul Jalloh, the head of Sierra Leone’s only psychiatric hospital, hailed President Bio’s declaration as a critical step forward in addressing drug use and its associated challenges.
Melissa Enoch
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