BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
In a concerted effort to combat the proliferation of kush and other harmful drugs in Kono District and Sierra Leone at large, the Girls Empowerment Network has allied with the government of Sierra Leone. The organization, dedicated to fostering the dreams of young girls and empowering them for national development, has taken a proactive stance against the pervasive threat posed by substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
Deputy Coordinator Aiah Moses Changa emphasized the dire consequences of kush consumption on the younger generation, labeling it as a “heart-rending” societal and health menace. He stressed the imperative for collaborative endeavors to address this pressing issue comprehensively, safeguarding the future of Sierra Leone’s youth.
Changa underscored the organization’s primary objective of empowering girls, recognizing their heightened vulnerability amidst drug addiction. He highlighted the necessity of tailored support to bridge the gap of vulnerability and instill determination among girls, even in the face of addiction.
Acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by entrenched addiction, Changa reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to effecting positive change. Despite recognizing the difficulty of the task ahead, he affirmed their persistence in pursuing interventions aimed at positively impacting drug addicts, particularly girls.
Expressing concern over the government’s perceived lack of urgency in combating kush proliferation, Changa lamented the absence of tangible efforts comparable to past public health crises such as the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks. He criticized the conventional approach of arresting and imprisoning drug users, arguing that it exacerbates rather than resolves the underlying issue.
Changa implored the Sierra Leonean government to emulate the proactive approach demonstrated during previous health crises, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing the eradication of kush with equal fervor. He called for concerted governmental action and comprehensive strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of substance abuse, echoing the urgency and dedication witnessed in prior public health emergencies.
The alliance between the Girls Empowerment Network and the government of Sierra Leone marks a significant step towards addressing the scourge of kush and other harmful drugs, signaling a unified front in safeguarding the well-being and future prospects of the nation’s youth.
Top of Form
