Earlier today, a high-level meeting was held at the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) headquarters on Main Motor Road, Wilberforce. The meeting was chaired by the Acting Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Charles Senesie, and hosted in the office of Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of NPHA and National Coordinator for the National Task Force on Drug-Related Substances, including kush.
The gathering brought together the core pillars of the National Task Force representatives from health, security, education, youth, and civil society, united by a shared commitment to restoring dignity and hope to victims of kush addiction. Despite recent challenges, the tone of the meeting was one of compassion, urgency, and renewed determination.
Discussed were plans to reopen the Hastings, Gondama rehabilitation centers as well as beds at the Kissy Psychiatric Hospital in phases, and expressed strong support for launching a new facility in Daru next week. The Task Force also proposed more inclusive admission pathways, allowing referrals from community leaders, faith-based groups, and youth networks, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.
Mental health support remains a top priority. Every rehabilitation center will include psychosocial services to address the deeper emotional wounds behind addiction. A national dashboard is also being developed to track admissions, recovery outcomes, and facility capacity, promoting transparency and guiding future investments.
In closing, Professor Dr. Senesie reminded us all: “Every young person caught in the grip of kush deserves a second chance. And as a nation, we must be the hands that lift them.”
Sierra Leone has overcome many challenges, and we will overcome this one too. With unity, dignity, and hope.
#RestoreHopeSL #MentalHealthMatters #TogetherAgainstKush
Public Relations Unit NPHA-SL