Executive Director of Social Linkages for Youth Development and Child Link Unveils Strategy to Combat Youth Drug Abuse Epidemic in Sierra Leone
Mohamed Aruna Habib Kamara of SLYDCL has announced a comprehensive plan aimed at curbing the alarming misuse of narcotics. Notably, the ‘Kush’ variant of hybrid cannabis, a strain originating from India, has gained notoriety for its detrimental impact on the nation’s young population.
The devastating effects of ‘Kush’ have triggered concern as it pushes Sierra Leone’s youth towards a downward spiral. Reports indicate that its consumption has led to a decline in personal hygiene, with users often neglecting basic practices such as bathing and changing clothes for extended periods, leading to an overpowering body odor issue.
Kamara, a vocal advocate for youth development, outlined key strategies that he believes the government can adopt to combat this pervasive issue. Central to his proposal is the implementation of stringent measures to combat the drug trade.
He suggests an aggressive approach, involving the seizure of properties involved in the sale of drugs to youth. Kamara insists that mobilizing community members as a form of grassroots enforcement will be pivotal in eradicating drug misuse among the younger generation.
“It’s imperative that we adopt a community-oriented approach to target these hubs of drug distribution. The government must take decisive action and authorize the confiscation of properties linked to drug trade,” Kamara emphasized.
With drug abuse posing a grave threat to Sierra Leone’s future, Kamara’s innovative strategies could prove instrumental in safeguarding the nation’s youth and preserving the vitality of its younger generation.
As Sierra Leone grapples with this critical challenge, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the government’s response to Kamara’s visionary plan.”
WELL SAID KEEP MOVING
I really applaud your zest, courage and determination to archive this goal.
I therefore also encourage you to involve community stake holders, and most especially the inter religious council to bring onboard the Immams, and they pastors to preach this messages in their sermons.
This fight should be a holistic venture involving everyone.
The task of combating drug abuse disorder is not a pastor, iman or igwe’s job; because the condition is a mental health and legal issue, the services of trained professionals must be utilized to implement a two-tier approach: treat of the drug abuser and punishment of the facilitator (if Sierra Leone laws prohibit drug possession and distribution).