29/06/2026
UPDATES ON JOINT ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENT: RSLAF WIVES “SAY NO TO KUSH, SAY NO TO DRUGS” CAMPAIGN AT TEKOH BARRACKS, MAKENI
The RSLAF Wives Cooperative, in collaboration with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Bombali District Health Management Team (DHMT), alongside Advocacy for Mental Health and Rehabilitation Sierra Leone, organized a community sensitization and advocacy engagement at Tekoh Barracks, Makeni, aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of Kush and substance abuse among military families and surrounding communities.
The event commenced with opening remarks from the leadership of the military and the Vice President of the Cooperative, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action in addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse and protecting the wellbeing of young people within barracks communities.
As part of the awareness activities, members of the Cooperative presented a powerful drama/skit illustrating how peer pressure and negative influences often lead young people into Kush and other harmful substances. The performance highlighted the devastating consequences of drug abuse, including school dropout, violence, criminal behavior, health complications, and in severe cases, death resulting from addiction.
Following the drama presentation, Sajor Barrie from the RCCE Pillar of the NPHA delivered key prevention and control messages, stressing the importance of community vigilance, early intervention, and sustained awareness efforts to combat the spread of Kush and other dangerous drugs.
Representing Advocacy for Mental Health and Rehabilitation Sierra Leone, the organization reinforced messages on the importance of mental health awareness, psychosocial support, rehabilitation services, and community support systems for individuals affected by substance abuse. The organization emphasized that addiction is not only a public health concern but also a mental health challenge that requires compassion, rehabilitation, and long-term support for recovery and reintegration.
The RCCE Lead/DSMC for Bombali DHMT, Daniel Sesay, also engaged participants on important public health updates, including Ebola preparedness, measles prevention, and cholera awareness. He further reminded participants of their role in supporting the Presidential Flagship Initiative on Health and the ongoing 300 Days of Activism, with focus on achieving Zero Maternal Deaths, Zero Child Deaths, and Zero-Dose Children.
The engagement was highly interactive, with military wives and RSLAF personnel actively participating, asking questions, sharing concerns, and collectively making commitments on behalf of North-East barracks to champion the fight against drug abuse while promoting healthier communities.
The activity demonstrated the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, bringing together health authorities, mental health advocates, and community leaders in a united effort to say NO to Kush, NO to Drugs, and YES to Health, Recovery, and a Better Future for Sierra Leone.
