Sierra Leone’s Urgency: Combatting Drug Kush Originating from Human Bones
Sierra Leone’s president has issued a national emergency declaration in response to the widespread issue of drug abuse within the country.
For years, Sierra Leone has grappled with the prevalence of Kush, a hazardous blend of addictive substances. President Julius Maada Bio has labeled this drug as a “death trap,” emphasizing its role in what he describes as an “existential crisis.”
Among the disturbing ingredients of Kush is human bones, leading to heightened security measures in cemeteries to prevent addicts from desecrating graves in search of skeletal remains.
The streets of Sierra Leone often feature groups of predominantly young men, their bodies swollen from the effects of Kush abuse, a stark and troubling sight.
In a poignant interview with the BBC, a recovering addict, his ankle wrapped in a bandage, confessed to the grip Kush has over him, admitting, “I don’t like doing this, but I cannot leave it because I enjoy it.”
Though an official death toll is unavailable, reports from medical professionals suggest a significant number of deaths, with hundreds of young men succumbing to organ failure attributed to Kush use in the capital city of Freetown alone.
Furthermore, Kush takes a severe toll on mental health, with admissions linked to Kush abuse skyrocketing by nearly 4,000% at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital between 2020 and 2023.
The surge in Kush use has prompted Freetown’s main cemeteries to seek police protection against grave robbers. President Bio’s address to the nation underscored the gravity of the situation, calling for urgent action to combat the Kush crisis.
In response, a National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse will be established, focusing on addressing the Kush epidemic. Additionally, plans are underway to establish care centers in every district, staffed by trained professionals to support individuals struggling with drug addiction.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Freetown currently hosts the country’s sole operational drug rehabilitation center, which experts criticize for its inadequate facilities.
While President Bio’s emergency declaration has been praised as a step in the right direction, critics argue that more comprehensive strategies are needed to effectively address Kush abuse. Calls for action extend beyond governmental measures, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support.
As Sierra Leone grapples with this pervasive issue, the collaborative efforts of government, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and communities will be crucial in combating the scourge of Kush addiction and its devastating consequences.
