Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Matthew Gascon
Sierra Leone, like the rest of the world, is trying to handle an increasing crisis of substance abuse. Due to socio-economic hardship and the lingering effects of the 1991 to 2002 civil war, abuse of potentially harmful substances like alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs is rising. This is especially true for young people in Sierra Leone. Socio-economic hardship has fueled more young people to turn to elicit substances for relief, leading to many deaths. Also, Sierra Leone has had to deal with a new synthetic drug called “kush” since it appeared on the scene 4 years ago. “Kush” was cheap, so it’s accessible to youth in Sierra Leone and other West African countries. The widespread use of “kush” and other illicit substances has led to a burden on the healthcare system.
To fight against the growing wave of illegal substance use, Sierra Leone has implemented many initiatives to curb widespread use in partnership, with local, regional, and international organizations. Public awareness and advocacy campaigns have been introduced that educate the population(especially the youth) about the dangers of illegal substance use by informing people of the physical, psychological, and social consequences. In addition, the government is expanding mental health treatment and drug rehabilitation centers, but plans are limited due to costs and economic hardship.
To prevent people from turning to drugs in the first place, ensuring access to education and employment opportunities for youths can deter illicit substance use. Additionally, Sierra Leone plans to improve mental health education and destigmatize seeking help for these issues. This is intertwined with continuing to improve and expand treatment facilities to ensure easier access to mental health care. By having strong partnerships between local, regional, and international organizations like the World Health Organization, and by getting additional funding as a developing nation to assist with these issues, Sierra Leone can more effectively fight the substance abuse epidemic the entire world is currently facing.
