Fatshimetrie, the new news and trends magazine, recently published a powerful report on the plight of drug and substance use in Sierra Leone. President Julius Maada Bio has taken the courageous decision to declare a national state of emergency over the abuse of Kush, a devastating substance that leaves havoc in its wake. This announcement comes at a time when the need to break the supply chain and help victims of this massive abuse is more pressing than ever.
The poignant story of Tamba Bockarie, once aspiring to become a great business leader, illustrates the devastating consequences of consuming Kush. This young man, after sinking into addiction in 2021, had the courage to fight for his redemption. By stopping his consumption last February, he realized that he was the master of his destiny and that he had the power to reinvent himself. Her determination to regain control of her life is a poignant testimony to resilience and the will to change.
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health is alarmed by the increase in reported cases from 47 in 2020 to more than 1,800 hospital admissions in 2023 linked to Kush consumption. The harms of this drug are not limited to addiction, as Dr Jusu Mattia, the acting medical superintendent of the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, points out. In addition to physical dependencies, physical injuries caused by the use of Kush are a worrying reality, adding a dimension of danger to this health crisis.
Beyond the physical consequences, the psychological aspect of Kush addiction is deeply rooted in the daily lives of those affected. The inability to function normally without this substance creates a vicious cycle of dependence and distress for many individuals. The joint efforts of activists, volunteers and the government are essential to raise awareness, provide support to those affected by drug abuse and build a better, drug-free future.
In this national crisis, the example of mobilization against the Kush shows the way forward for a stronger and more resilient society. As Habib Taigore Kamara, executive director of Social Linkages for Youth Development and Child Link, points out, it is time to use structures already in place, such as those implemented during the COVID and Ebola crises, to strengthen community networks, health services and psychosocial support. By joining forces and acting collectively, it is possible to envision a bright future free of the ravages of drugs in Sierra Leone.
Fatshimetrie will continue to accurately and empathetically document this fight against drug abuse in Sierra Leone, providing an illuminating perspective and essential support to all those striving to turn this tragedy into an opportunity for healing and rebuilding.