By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope
Sierra Leone has opened five rehabilitation centres across the country in the last two years as part of its response to rising substance abuse, the National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse said Tuesday.
Speaking at the weekly government press briefing at the Miatta Civic Center, Ansumana Kanneh, Pillar Lead for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, said the facilities are located in Hastings, Daru, Bo, Kono, and Makeni.
Since launching the programme, the centres have treated and reintegrated 784 people. Men make up 88% of beneficiaries, with women accounting for the remaining 12%, Kanneh said.
He linked the surge in drug use to the breakdown of family structures, noting that some cases involve parents directly involving children in drug-related activities. He called on parents and guardians to take a more active role in shielding young people from substance abuse and criminal behavior.
The rehabilitation effort is part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle kush abuse and other substance-related issues affecting youth nationwide.
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