Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sartie Kanneh from the Ministry of Health has raised an alarm regarding a disturbing trend observed at the Kissy Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. Kanneh disclosed that out of the 2,955 individuals admitted for drug abuse treatment in 2023, a staggering 1,865 cases were directly linked to Kush, a potent form of cannabis.

This revelation sheds light on the severity of substance abuse issues within the community, particularly among young adults. Dr. Kanneh emphasized that approximately 75% of the patients admitted for Kush abuse fell within the age range of 20 to 34 years old. This demographic trend underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns aimed at curbing substance abuse, especially among the youth.

The gravity of the situation was further accentuated by a recent tragic event involving the burial of 32 unidentified young individuals, comprising 25 males and 7 females, in an undignified mass grave. This distressing incident has sparked widespread outrage and reignited calls, particularly on social media platforms, for decisive government action against what many are now describing as a pandemic of substance abuse.

As concerns continue to mount over the escalating impact of Kush and other drugs on society, stakeholders are urging collaborative efforts from both governmental and non-governmental organizations to address the root causes of addiction and provide comprehensive support for those affected.

While the Ministry of Health has yet to announce specific measures in response to these developments, pressure is mounting for prompt and decisive action to tackle the growing crisis of drug abuse, particularly among the youth population.