“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” Victor Hugo.
In recent times Sierra Leone has suffered a triple whammy of challenges: eleven years of civil war, Ebola and then Covid. On top of this, the west African nation regularly features on the list of the ten poorest countries in the world. The average annual income is £500/$630.
At a time of super high inflation in the region, each day is a struggle for most people. For this reason, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that the country’s most common mental health issue now is substance and alcohol abuse. It is linked to the accumulated trauma of the civil war, Ebola, few economic opportunities, and grinding poverty.
Network for Africa works with a remarkable local partner in Sierra Leone called Conforti, in the country’s northern district of Port Loko. Together, we deliver trauma counselling, we educate the community about epilepsy, maternal health, and mental wellbeing, and we support self-help groups that learn skills, cultivate vegetable gardens and pool their savings.
Now, Conforti is adapting its work to meet the challenge presented by the drug crisis. Unfortunately, there are very limited rehabilitation facilities in Sierra Leone, and they don’t have a record of success
Young men in particular are turning to a drug called kush to take the edge off reality. (Kush is not to be confused with what is known as Kush in the USA). Criminal gangs mix cannabis grown in Sierra Leone with fentanyl, tramadol and formaldehyde from China. It produces a drug so strong that smokers may fall asleep while walking, crashing to the ground and banging their heads. Or they might walk into traffic with disastrous consequences.
At 20 pence/25 cents a joint, this may sound like an inexpensive route to oblivion in a poor country. However, it is not uncommon for addicts to smoke 40 a day. The drug has been linked to young men who were or still are child soldiers.
Here is the story of one 22-year-old, Abdulai:
I suffered a very traumatic experience when I was 17, and because of this I have been using drugs and alcohol. I now understand it had a big impact on my mental health. Before I was brought to Conforti, I didn’t care about living or dying. My relationship with my family wasn’t the best. At first, I refused help from Conforti, but gradually Florence and Mohamed [Conforti’s counsellors] got through to me. They were very patient. They taught me about what I was going through, supported me with the depression and anxiety that was leading me to get drunk, and encouraged me to do things I used to enjoy such as watching football. If it wasn’t for Mohamed and Florence, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I no longer drink or use, and I’m really proud.
Thank you to our supporters who have helped us continue our partnership with Conforti. Each success story, like Abdulai’s, is because you have contributed to Network for Africa. We know inflation has made this a brutal time for many people around the world, so we thank you for sticking with us. To continue supporting us, please visit our donation page. Thank you.