Sierra Leone Declares National Emergency on Kush Drug

Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, has declared a national emergency on substance abuse, particularly focusing on the rising use of a synthetic drug known as kush. This decision comes amidst growing concerns over the devastating impact of the drug on the country’s youth.

Kush, a highly addictive mixture of marijuana, fentanyl, tramadol, and sometimes formaldehyde, has been responsible for hundreds of deaths and severe psychiatric damage among users since its emergence in Sierra Leone approximately four years ago. Despite the lack of official figures on the exact number of deaths, the government recognises the urgent need to address the crisis.

In his late-night address, President Bio deplored the destructive consequences of kush on the nation’s youth, declaring it a threat to the country’s very foundation. To combat this scourge, he announced the establishment of a national task force on substance abuse, which will involve various sectors of society and be supervised by a presidential advisory team. This task force will implement a five-step strategy aimed at achieving a drug-free future for Sierra Leone.

Also Read: Alarming Rise of New Drug “Kush” is Causing Havoc in West Africa

The affordability of kush has made it easily accessible to disillusioned and unemployed youth, particularly in impoverished communities where approximately a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. The drug’s prevalence has raised concerns among local communities, prompting calls for government intervention and support for drug users.

Dr. Abdul Jalloh, head of Sierra Leone’s only psychiatric hospital, welcomed President Bio’s declaration as a crucial step towards addressing drug abuse. He stressed the urgent need for increased awareness and support services to combat the growing addiction problem, especially in rural areas where access to mental health services is limited.

President Bio’s administration has vowed to take decisive action to tackle the kush crisis, including law enforcement measures to dismantle the drug supply chain and provide adequate treatment and support for those struggling with addiction. However, some critics doubt the effectiveness of the current strategy and call for more comprehensive efforts to address the root causes of drug abuse in Sierra Leone.

Despite challenges ahead, President Bio’s declaration of a national emergency reflects a significant step towards addressing the urgent public health issue posed by kush substance abuse in Sierra Leone.