In a collaborative effort, Health Network Sierra Leone (HN-SL) joined the Ministry of Health on Monday, October 2, 2023, to observe the 10th World No Alcohol Day at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex in Kingtom, Freetown. The event focused on the theme, “Reduce Alcohol and Reject Harmful Drugs and Substances for a Better Society – Place a Ban on Kush Trafficking/Consumption and the Misuse of Alcohol”.
Ibrahim Kamara, Chairman of the program and the Founder and Executive Director of Direct Respond, emphasized the historical significance of the day. He recalled how in 2008, the Government of India proposed to the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) for the world to abstain from alcohol consumption for a day, with 193 countries signing the declaration. The day was chosen to honor the birth of former Indian Prime Minister, Mahatma Gandhi, in October 1869.
Kamara stressed alarming statistics, citing WHO data that indicates three million people die annually from alcohol-related illnesses. He also highlighted that approximately 80% of accidents in Sierra Leone are related to alcohol and other drugs, with over 200 illnesses caused by alcohol consumption. HN-SL, he asserted, has become a household name in the country due to its work in promoting health awareness.
During his keynote address, David Banya, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted the pervasive issue of drug use in Sierra Leone. He attributed the problem to poverty, unemployment, and other socio-economic factors, emphasizing that drug abuse affects all sectors of society. Banya further revealed that most visitors to the Mental Home at Kissy for alcohol abuse fall within the age range of 15 to 65. He praised the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse.
Banya also mentioned the Government’s efforts to generate revenue through the registration of 29 companies, some of which manufacture alcohol locally. He expressed concern about the availability of alcohol in schools and higher educational institutions.
Robert Kondema Kargbo, Executive Director of HN-SL, revealed a disturbing trend in this year’s commemoration—the rising consumption of the synthetic drug Kush among Sierra Leone’s youth. He emphasized the theme of this year’s event, which centers on reducing alcohol consumption and eliminating harmful drugs like Kush. Kargbo called for a ban on the synthetic drug Kush (K2) and stricter controls on alcohol misuse.
He highlighted the unique dangers of synthetic drugs like K2, citing studies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. K2, he explained, bonds rapidly and powerfully to the brain, but each batch can contain different ingredients, making the effects unpredictable and potentially harmful. Moreover, he cautioned against the long-term effects of synthetic drugs, including agitation, hallucinations, and violent psychosis, which can be especially detrimental to young people.
Kargbo noted that HN-SL has been actively campaigning to reduce alcohol content and sales since 2013, resulting in reduced alcohol percentages and sales to individuals under 18. He urged the Government to take immediate action to combat the drug menace and implement both short-term and long-term strategies for those already affected.
Representatives from various organizations, including the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, WHO, the Freetown City Council, and Civil Society Organizations, echoed the call for action. They noted the absence of most alcohol producers at the event and emphasized the need for continuous public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
Suggestions included increasing taxes on alcohol, enforcing drug and alcohol laws and reporting Kush dealers to the Police. It was proposed that Kush dealers could face a Le100 million fine and a two-year jail term. The group also reported submitting a report on ending Kush consumption to the Chief Minister.
Participants highlighted the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, which has developed a five-year strategic plan, as well as the Ministry of Health and its partners, who have created a National Alcohol Policy. They reminded everyone that dealing in drugs remains a criminal offense.
The event featured musical performances by the National Disability Artists Union that focused on the dangers of Kush, as well as interactive discussions among participants. Robert Kondima Kargbo, the Executive Director of HN-SL, pledged to sponsor the production of a video for the song.
The program was chaired by Ibrahim Kamara, Founder and Executive Director of Direct Respond, a rights-based organization and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Joseph Bangalie, a member of HN-SL.
