Introduction

Kush, like many intoxicants with numerous health complications, is a leading cause of death among the youth in Sierra Leone with many in need of urgent medical support if they could survive. According to Professor M Cole of the Anglia University Kush in Sierra Leone should not be mistaken for the one with similar name in other parts of the world, 

Causes of the Increase in Death  

Being a mixture of several harmful changing chemicals which are; cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol and formaldehyde for those who can afford to buy these component and those without the ability to buy the formaldehyde resort to using human remains (Bones) which is common in Sierra Leone 

As an intoxicant with such dangerous chemical combination in a developing country where the medical system and social service is not functional with poor condition of living there is always the tendency for it to have a lasting impact on the lives of fellow youth as majority take it as a coping mechanism for our poor socio economic and political condition with little hope for the youth.

 Moreover there is high death due to lack of specialised medical facilities to handle cases of addicts such as support homes for them to access rehabilitation opportunities across the country. As a nation with only one partially functional psychiatry hospital for a population of 7 million.  

Preventive Mentions

Preventing the high death rate related to Kush smoking requires collective action from family, community, development partners and government. With emphasis on the government creating an enabling environment where youth and citizens have the opportunity to thrive making them become responsible assets of society which will automatically   minimise the desire for indulging into such harmful drugs.

Also formulation and implementation of policies that regulate the import and sales of the chemicals needed to formulate this harmful substance so as to ensure once these harmful chemicals are imported they are used for their intended purpose not for Kush making.

Moreover, government and development partners should make provision for the functional psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation facility across the country coupled with engaging in robust civil engagement.  

Conclusion 

Being a harmful substance that is claiming the lives of many youth the impact of which is being considered a public health emergency in Sierra Leone there is urgent need for collective action from various sectors of society to put an end to this menace in society for the good of all through the establishment and support of institution that can support this fight in our country as we have seen the negative impact it can have in our youths.