As part of the commemoration of World AIDS Day 2025, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, delivered a powerful keynote address in Pujehun District on Monday, 1 December 2025.
Addressing a packed gathering, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for vulnerable citizens and encouraged people living with HIV to seek care, remain hopeful, and live with dignity. She emphasized that championing the welfare of the vulnerable and promoting healthy living remain central pillars of her work.
While highlighting the importance of HIV awareness, Dr. Fatima Bio also issued a strong warning about the escalating threat of “kush,” the illicit substance that has devastated communities across the country. She described kush as “not just a drug, but a thief of destiny,” stressing that those who distribute it are destroying the future of Sierra Leonean youth.
She recounted emotional encounters with parents whose children have slipped into addiction, noting that even university students with bright futures have dropped out because of the drug. She reiterated her full support for President Julius Maada Bio’s national campaign against kush, calling it a fight the nation must confront with urgency and unity.
The First Lady appealed to religious leaders, teachers, and community organizations to speak openly about the drug crisis and help raise awareness. “There is no shame in speaking up,” she said. “Let us rise together determined and courageous to defeat this destructive drug.”
She assured residents of Pujehun that she would continue to listen, advocate, and stand with affected families. Her message to young people was firm and direct: reject kush, protect your future, and report anyone involved in its sale or distribution.
Her Excellency ended by thanking the people of Pujehun for their warm reception and called on the entire nation to unite in the fight against both HIV and drug abuse, reinforcing that the health and future of Sierra Leone depend on collective action.