"Unveiling the 'Zombie' Drug Crisis in West Africa"
West Africa is facing a severe drug epidemic with a synthetic cannabinoid-like drug known as 'kush' causing widespread addiction and fatalities. In Sierra Leone, the drug, which is as dangerous as heroin or cocaine, is cheap and easily accessible, contributing to a public health crisis with a dozen users dying weekly. The Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital is overwhelmed, and the country's high youth unemployment rate exacerbates the problem. Similar issues are seen in Liberia and Guinea, with inadequate healthcare systems struggling to cope. Efforts are being made to address the crisis, including potential decriminalization and rehabilitation initiatives, but the situation remains dire.