In a major step towards tackling Sierra Leone’s drug crisis, 52 former drug users were officially reintegrated into society after completing an intensive eight-week rehabilitation program.

Organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare under its Pillar 4: Reintegration strategy, the discharge ceremony at the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) in Hastings marked a milestone in the national response to the drug emergency declared by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in 2024.

Professor Sahr Foday, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency and Chairperson of the National Taskforce on Drugs and Substance Abuse, highlighted the government’s success through prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and community engagement.

The 49 males and 3 females who completed the program did so without any escape incidents, according to Colonel Abdul Baba Keita, Commandant of the PMTC—a testament to both their commitment and the centre’s effective rehabilitation model.

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Minister of Social Welfare, Hon. Melrose Karminty, announced post-rehabilitation support measures, including educational reintegration through the Ministry of Education, vocational training opportunities, a dedicated WhatsApp helpline against discrimination, and starter packs containing rice, hygiene kits, and other essentials.

She emphasized the need for national support and urged families to welcome the rehabilitated individuals, describing them as “Ambassadors of Positive Change.”

The emotional ceremony concluded with an invitation to a special interfaith service on April 27 to provide spiritual support. Professor Foday summed up the day’s significance:

“Today, we do not just see former users – we see future leaders in our fight against substance abuse.”