AYV News, October 3, 2024
One hundred former users of Kush have been rehabilitated and discharged after a seven-week rehabilitation at the Peace Mission Training Center (PMTC) in Hastings, east of Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The country’s Ministry of Social Welfare and the National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse said the development signifies a national commitment to eradicating drug abuse, particularly the widespread use of Kush.
The event was held with the theme: “Let Us Kick Kush Out of Sierra Leone” (Leh wi kick Kush kɔmot na Salone), signifying a national commitment to eradicating drug abuse, particularly the widespread use of Kush.
Honorable Robin Fallay from the Office of the Chief Minister commended the leadership of the Ministry of Social Welfare for their relentless efforts in the fight against drug abuse, whiles expressing gratitude to the Commander of the Peace Mission Training Center for hosting the rehabilitation program.
Madam Theresa, a representative from the Ministry of Health, acknowledged the challenges faced by her Ministry in collaborating with the Ministry of Social Welfare to provide comprehensive treatment for drug users.
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Andrew Jaiah Kaikai emphasised the urgency of tackling the influx of illicit drugs, particularly Kush, into the country, whiles outlining measures that the government is putting in place to curb drug trafficking and abuse.
From the Ministry of Defense, Senior Officer Desmond Bello affirmed that security forces are fully committed to supporting the government in its mission to combat the distribution and consumption of drugs. He assured the public that the Ministry would continue to provide security support to uphold law and order in the ongoing campaign.
Minister Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty expressed appreciation to all the representatives for their support and encouraged the families of the rehabilitated individuals to continue providing positive reinforcement.
She reminded the new Ambassadors of the importance of not reverting to their past habits and urged them to embrace their new, drug-free lives, whiles reaffirming government’s commitment to reintegrating the rehabilitated individuals into their communities and supporting them in rebuilding their lives.
