The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, has launched an innovative “Hospitals on Wheels” initiative to deliver essential medical assistance to victims of the ongoing Kush crisis. The program seeks to bring healthcare services directly to affected communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The official launch took place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Youyi Building Car Park in Freetown, marking a new approach to community-based healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.
Speaking to journalists about the initiative, Dr. Yeabu Kargbo, Medical Superintendent and Manager of the Hospitals on Wheels Program, explained that the mobile clinics are designed to provide free medical services to youth impacted by Kush abuse. She revealed that the clinics will be staffed by specialists from Saint Michael’s Hospital in Lakka and will initially operate at youth farms in Hastings.
According to Dr. Yeabu Kargbo, the program aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. By taking healthcare directly to vulnerable groups, she noted, the initiative helps reduce health disparities and advance equitable access to medical services.
Dr. Yeabu Kargbo disclosed that the program is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and supported by funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She recounted that two months earlier, the Minister of Youth Affairs had approached her to explore ways of providing free healthcare to youth affected by Kush addiction ;a call that led to swift action.
She recalled providing emergency healthcare to Kush victims at both the SLPP and APC party offices in Freetown, an experience that highlighted the urgent need for mobile health services during crises.
“Our team is ready to respond to cases beyond emergencies, including trauma and wound care,” Dr. Yeabu Kargbo stated. “We have six medical doctors deployed at various locations and we aim to treat at least 500 victims during this initial phase.”
She further emphasized that many of the affected youth are battling substance use disorders, stressing that they should not be criminalized but rather treated with dignity and compassion. She assured that the medical team is well-prepared to provide follow-up care, especially for wound management and that they have adequate supplies of essential medicines to support recovery.
Ahmed Kamara, Component Manager at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, described the initiative as a joint national response to the growing health crisis among young people. He explained that while the Ministry of Health provides transportation and medical supplies, the Ministry of Youth Affairs is responsible for organizing the outreach and mobilizing communities.
The Component Manager noted that the program remains a top priority for the Minister of Youth Affairs, who is committed to ensuring that it is sustained and expanded to reach more affected individuals. As a mental health specialist himself, Ahmed Kamara joined the mobile clinic team to deliver free psychosocial and mental health support to victims.
“This is not just about treatment; it’s about hope, rehabilitation and giving our young people a second chance,” he said.
The Hospitals on Wheels initiative represents a critical intervention in Sierra Leone’s ongoing effort to address the human and social impact of the Kush epidemic. By combining medical care, mental health support and community engagement, the program underscores the Government’s determination to promote healing, recovery, and resilience among affected youth.
