Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Social Welfare led the discharge of the first group of rehabilitated drug users on April 13th, 2024.

The Ministry aims to make these individuals “ambassadors” in the fight against drug and substance abuse, particularly “Kush,” in the country.

The Ministry collaborated with other government agencies to organize the ceremony for the discharged service users. This follows the establishment of a rehabilitation center for drug and substance abuse victims, along with a ministerial task force, earlier this year in February.

Social Welfare Minister, Honourable Mrs. Melrose Karminty, compared the fight against drug abuse, especially Kush, to the battles against COVID-19 and Ebola. She emphasized the President’s commitment to winning this fight within the country.

Mrs. Karminty highlighted the government’s decision to establish a rehabilitation center to help Kush victims rather than stigmatizing them. The center offers a second chance to young people between the ages of 15 and 25, whom the Ministry believes have the potential to contribute to their communities’ development. She stressed the urgency of saving this young population.

The Minister acknowledged the global challenges, including those faced by Sierra Leone, and the importance of a productive youth population for monitoring and implementing community-driven projects.

The first batch of Kush survivors were discharged based on expert evaluation and are expected to play a positive role within their communities.

Dr. Santigie Sesay, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, commended the rehabilitation center staff and all supporters. He urged the discharged individuals to resist drug use and become positive change agents.