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Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, used her World AIDS Day keynote address in Pujehun District today to launch a stinging attack on the spread of “kush,” describing the synthetic drug as a “thief of destiny” that is devastating the nation’s youth.
Speaking in her capacity as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the First Lady linked the commemoration of World AIDS Day with the urgent need to combat substance abuse, urging communities to unite against the epidemic.
“Kush is not just a drug; it is a thief of destiny,” she declared. “If every citizen of Sierra Leone takes this fight seriously, we can and we will end this scourge together.”
While the event was convened to promote healthy living and encourage those living with HIV to seek care and live with dignity, the First Lady pivoted to address the rising threat of synthetic drugs. She emphasized that those introducing kush into communities are destroying the future of the next generation.
Recounting personal interactions with families affected by addiction, she noted the severe toll the drug has taken on education.
“I have sat with mothers whose tears speak louder than words because their children are seriously into kush,” she said. “We have brilliant boys and girls who have dropped out of university and lost their futures due to the drug.”
Expressing full support for the national campaign against the substance led by President Julius Maada Bio, she called on religious leaders, teachers, and civic organizations to join the effort. She urged young people to reject what she termed “demonic kush” and to expose those involved in its sale.
“There is no shame in speaking up. Let us rise together with no shame and no surrender,” she said.
The First Lady concluded by pledging to continue listening to the stories of affected families and fighting relentlessly for communities. The address was met with a warm reception from Pujehun residents, signaling strong local support for the dual fight against HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.
