In a recent statement addressing concerns about Kush, Dr. Austin Demby, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, emphasized that individuals who are affected by Kush smoking should not face blame or legal repercussions. Instead, he advocated for support and encouragement to help them overcome this issue. Dr. Demby made these remarks during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education's weekly press conference on August 22, 2023.
During the conference, the Minister discussed the health risks associated with Kush and underscored that placing blame or penalties on those affected by it amounts to a dual punishment. He further criticized those involved in producing and selling Kush, asserting that they should be the focus of legal actions.
Drawing attention to the hazards of Kush, the Health Minister revealed that he had learned about the use of formalin, a dangerous chemical used in embalming deceased bodies, in the production of Kush. He highlighted the risks linked to this chemical and assured that stringent measures were in place to prevent unauthorized access to it.
In terms of addressing the Kush issue, the Health Minister outlined a comprehensive approach that involves cooperation from various sectors of society. He emphasized that the challenge of Kush is a societal concern, requiring collaboration among Social Welfare, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, the Security Sector, families, parents, schools, and teachers.
Dr. Demby cautioned against experimenting with or using Kush due to its detrimental effects on the brain. He suggested that discussions with relevant stakeholders would determine whether declaring the Kush issue a public health emergency is necessary.
Dr. Abdul Jalloh, a Senior Psychiatrist Specialist at Global Mental Health, highlighted that Kush is produced locally in Sierra Leone, with a few imports. He categorized three types of Kush: Synthetic Kush (natural), Tramadol Kush (made with Tramadol and other mixtures), and Jagaban Kush (made with formalin and ordinary leaves). Dr. Jalloh emphasized the severe consequences of Kush, including potential mental disorders and damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver, leading to swelling in various body parts.
Regarding the data collected on drug misuse cases, Dr. Jalloh presented statistics from his hospital. He revealed that out of 2,800 cases of drug misuse detected from 2020 to 2022, 60 percent were related to Kush and Tramadol. The prevalence of substance misuse had increased significantly, from 2 per cent in 2020 to 40 percent in 2022. Notably, a range of demographics was affected, including unemployed individuals, students from secondary schools and universities, and those employed in various sectors.
Matilda Ekan Sonsiama, a Civil Society Activist, stressed that addressing the Kush issue should not be approached with a gender-specific perspective, as it impacts both male and female youths. Sonsiama observed that women were predominant in the sale of Kush. She recounted instances where Kush sellers who were arrested later resumed their activities. She also shared the story of a degree holder who faced Kush addiction due to unemployment after graduation, highlighting the need for youth, particularly females, to abstain from Kush use.