By Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, Sierra Leone —The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has announced plans to admit 120 victims of kush addiction into the Kissy Psychiatric Hospital. This move is part of a broader government initiative through the National Task Force, which was set up to provide treatment and reintegration support for victims of kush and other drug abuse.
Dr. Abdul Jalloh, a consultant psychiatrist and Director of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, explained that the team recently visited the Kissy Psychiatric Hospital to assess whether the facility is suitable for admitting the affected individuals. He confirmed that those selected for admission are battling serious health complications, and their rehabilitation process will last approximately 12 weeks.
Professor Foday Sahr, Director General of the NPHA, emphasized that many of the victims are dealing with both physical and psychological health issues. He said the aim is to provide medical care and counseling before they are reintegrated into their communities. According to Prof. Sahr, the government has already allocated funds to support the running of rehabilitation centers across the country.
Acting Minister of Health, Professor Charles Senessie, also spoke on the importance of controlling the flow of harmful substances into the country. He revealed that the Ministry of Health, together with the Pharmacy Board, will soon begin a more rigorous regulation of pharmaceutical drugs entering Sierra Leone. The goal, he said, is to reduce the availability of dangerous and unregulated drugs like kush.
The government’s latest intervention marks a significant step in tackling the growing drug crisis in Sierra Leone, with a strong focus on rehabilitation, regulation, and reintegration.
