First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Bio delivered a passionate address at the discharge ceremony for rehabilitated Kush users, urging a nationwide effort to combat the drug’s devastating effects.

“Kush is not something to be proud of,” Mrs. Bio declared. “It’s an embarrassment – not just for the users or their families, but for our entire nation.”

She revealed ongoing efforts towards tackling the issue and called on all stakeholders to join the fight. “We need to heighten our efforts against the use and distribution of Kush and other drugs,” she emphasized. “These substances have detrimental effects, not only on individuals and their families, but on the entire fabric of our society.”

Mrs. Bio specifically called for a crackdown on drug trafficking, targeting the dealers who fuel the illicit trade. However, she also went beyond enforcement, highlighting the crucial role of parents in preventing drug abuse in the first place.

“Parents, we need to have open discussions with our children,” she urged. “We need to educate them about the dangers of drug use and provide them with the guidance and support they need to make healthy choices.”

The First Lady expressed concern over a prevalent international approach that focuses solely on the consequences of drug abuse, neglecting the root causes. She advocated for a more comprehensive strategy that tackles the underlying factors leading to drug use.

“We can’t simply arrest our way out of this problem,” she stated. “We need to address the social and economic issues that make some people more vulnerable to addiction.”

Furthermore, Mrs. Bio appealed to law enforcement agencies to intensify operations against drug dealers, emphasizing the importance of transparent arrest processes as a deterrent to potential offenders.

Finally, she issued a heartfelt plea to parents of returning rehabilitated users. “Embrace your children with love and understanding,” she implored. “Their families’ support is crucial in their continued recovery.”

First Lady Bio’s speech underscores the multifaceted nature of drug abuse. Her call for collaborative action, parental responsibility, a holistic approach to root causes, and improved law enforcement strategies pave the way for a more effective national response to combat this growing problem.