President Bio described the crisis, fueled by the narcotic “kush,” as an “existential threat” comparable to the devastating Ebola epidemic that swept West Africa a decade ago. The Ebola outbreak claimed over 11,000 lives in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia.
The national emergency signifies the severity of the drug problem plaguing Sierra Leone. The exact measures included in the emergency declaration haven’t been disclosed yet, but it paves the way for a more aggressive approach to tackle the issue.
Kush, a synthetic drug with marijuana-like effects, has become prevalent among young people in Sierra Leone. The drug’s widespread use has raised serious concerns about public health and safety.
This national emergency declaration is a strong signal from the Sierra Leonean government of its commitment to curbing the drug epidemic. The coming days are likely to reveal more details about the specific measures that will be implemented to address this critical challenge.
ABJ/APA