Gambiaj.com – (KANIFING, The Gambia) – The Chief Executive Officer of Kanifing General Hospital, Basiru Drammeh, has raised serious concerns regarding the alarming increase in Kush-related cases and deaths at the hospital. Dr. Drammeh stated that urgent action is needed to address this crisis.

He emphasized the growing popularity of Kush among young people, describing it as a “red flag that demands urgent attention.” The drug, which has already caused significant harm in Sierra Leone and Guinea, is now ravaging lives in The Gambia. Kush causes users to fall asleep while walking or collapse, often on hard surfaces, leading to serious injuries or death.

From February to May, Kanifing General Hospital recorded 34 Kush-related cases, with two resulting in fatalities. However, the situation has worsened, with 28 cases and four deaths reported between June and July alone. This marks an alarming case fatality rate of 14% for the June-July period, compared to the 7-8% rate earlier in the year.

Drammeh stressed the urgency of addressing this crisis, revealing that the affected age group ranges from as young as 12 to 31 years old, with the average age being 17. “It’s actually affecting the cream of the population, the young ones. If we don’t take action, most of our youth may end up taking Kush,” he warned.

The hospital is intensifying its awareness campaign to inform parents, guardians, and caregivers about the devastating effects of Kush. Drammeh described the signs and symptoms of Kush use, which include severe anxiety, a feeling of the tongue falling back, excessive salivation, and restlessness. These symptoms can lead to choking and, in severe cases, death.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization and the government of Sierra Leone, The Gambia is working to tackle this public health crisis. Drammeh underscored the need for funding to support awareness and prevention efforts, stating, “We want to go out to talk to people about Kush. We wrote a concept paper and are now looking for funding to sensitize people.”

He advised parents to closely monitor their children and discuss the dangers of drugs, particularly Kush. The increasing number of Kush-related incidents poses a significant burden on The Gambia’s healthcare system, and immediate action is crucial to prevent further loss of life.

As the Kush crisis continues to escalate, Kanifing General Hospital remains at the forefront of efforts to combat this dangerous drug and protect the nation’s youth from its devastating impact.