As part of efforts to address Sierra Leone’s worsening drug crisis, the Government of Sierra Leone has launched a rehabilitation program for 120 victims of Kush addiction at the Kissy Mental Hospital in Freetown.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, seeks to provide medical treatment, counseling, and social reintegration support for individuals severely affected by the synthetic drug known locally as Kush.
Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that a technical assessment was recently conducted to evaluate the hospital’s capacity to receive and care for the selected patients. He explained that the victims are suffering from critical health complications due to prolonged drug abuse and will undergo a 12-week rehabilitation program designed to restore both their mental and physical health.
“This intervention is part of a broader government strategy to curb substance abuse and promote mental health,” Dr. Jalloh said. “We aim not only to treat these victims but also to reintegrate them into society as productive citizens.”
The rehabilitation program comes amid a national outcry over the rapid spread of Kush, a potent synthetic drug that has taken hold of many young people, particularly in Freetown and other urban centers. Health professionals warn that the substance causes severe mental instability, hallucinations, and in many cases, permanent brain damage.
Community activists and religious leaders have welcomed the government’s move, describing it as a long-overdue step toward addressing what they call a “national health emergency.” However, they also emphasized the need for preventive education, stronger law enforcement, and rehabilitation facilities across the provinces.
“Treating the current victims is vital, but prevention and community awareness are equally important,” said a youth leader in Kissy. “We must reach young people before they turn to drugs.”
The Kissy Mental Hospital, Sierra Leone’s only specialized psychiatric facility, has struggled for years with limited resources. The new program is expected to improve its capacity through government and partner support, marking a renewed commitment to tackling drug abuse and mental health challenges in the country.
