By Lawrence Williams
The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) has issued a statement calling for a coordinated national response that addresses both the “medical and social dimensions” of the drug crisis in the country, while revealing alarming statistics from the nation’s premier mental health facility.
Data from the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital shows that a total of 2,795 substance abuse cases were recorded between January and September 2025, with over 60% of these cases occurring among individuals aged 18 to 35 years. Of these numbers, Kush patients constituted the majority of cases, accounting for 61% (1,709) of the total. Tramadol, cocaine, and cannabis followed, representing 16% and 9% of the cases, respectively.
These figures, the SLMDA said, underscore the massive public health challenge facing the nation as well as the devastating impact of illicit drugs on the youth.
The SLMDA stressed that beating the crisis requires a strong interventions based on solid evidence and genuine commitment of all responsible authorities.
In a direct appeal, the association is now calling for a compassionate, medical-first approach for those struggling with addiction.
“People struggling with substance use must be treated with care and respect—as patients, not criminals. They deserve access to compassionate, science-based medical treatment, as well as comprehensive rehabilitation and support to help them recover and return to productive lives,” SLMDA stated.
While acknowledging government’s efforts, the SLMDA said focus must be directed toward accountability, stating that those involved in making, distributing, and selling these dangerous substances must face justice.
The association pledged its commitment to providing medical care and rehabilitation for those affected through its member hospitals and health professionals as well as undertaking a nationwide media and public education campaign focused on the health, mental, and social risks of Kush and other illicit substances.
 has raised alarm over the nation’s drug crisis, revealing that 61% of all substance abuse cases recorded at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital in 2025 were linked to Kush. The association calls for a compassionate, coordinated medical response to the epidemic.){kind=link}