By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia stands at a precipice, grappling with a burgeoning public health emergency that casts a long shadow over its present and threatens to consume its future. Across the bustling streets of Monrovia and extending into the quieter corners of the nation, a silent yet devastating crisis is unfolding: the alarming surge in mental illness, inextricably linked with the escalating abuse of dangerous substances. This is not merely a societal inconvenience; it is a stark reality that is relentlessly claiming the lives and eroding the potential of our young people, tearing apart the very fabric of our families, and insidiously undermining the foundations of our society.
A walk through any major thoroughfare in our capital city offers a grim testament to this crisis. Young men and women, often dehumanized and simply labeled “crazy people,” wander in profound distress – neglected, homeless, and devoid of care. It is crucial to recognize that many of these individuals are not criminals by nature but rather victims – victims of deep-seated trauma, crushing poverty, pervasive unemployment, and, overwhelmingly, the insidious grip of drug addiction.
The accessibility of potent hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and a disturbing array of synthetic narcotics has reached levels that should send shockwaves through our nation. These destructive substances are now brazenly sold within our communities, fostering the proliferation of ghettos that serve as fertile ground for addiction, violence, and despair. The consequences are far-reaching and devastating. Families are being fractured beyond repair, communities live under a cloud of fear and insecurity, and the very soul of our nation bleeds silently as its most vulnerable citizens succumb to this dual crisis.
The youth of Liberia, often referred to with a dismissive term, “zogos,” bear the brunt of this catastrophe. Many are the unintended products of a broken system, one that has tragically failed to provide them with access to quality education, meaningful economic opportunities, or crucial mental health support. They are forced to seek refuge in abandoned buildings, their days are a desperate struggle for survival through begging, and their involvement in crime is often not a matter of choice but a direct consequence of their desperation and the all-consuming nature of their addiction. The poignant words of one young man, “I’m tired. There’s nothing for us,” resonate with the unspoken despair of thousands more who feel abandoned and without hope.
This escalating crisis transcends the boundaries of a mere public health issue; it has metastasized into a full-blown national emergency demanding immediate and comprehensive attention. Yet, the silence emanating from our policymakers and institutions is not just disappointing – it is deafening and dangerously negligent. The fundamental questions remain unanswered: Where are the functional and adequately resourced rehabilitation centers that can offer a lifeline to these suffering individuals? What coherent and comprehensive plan does the government have in place to effectively rescue these citizens and facilitate their meaningful reintegration into society? What proactive and impactful role is the Ministry of Health playing in addressing this mental health and addiction pandemic? And where is the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection in safeguarding vulnerable young women, many of whom are tragically forced into exploitative and toxic relationships with drug dealers as a means of survival?
Disturbingly, credible allegations persist that some community leaders and even those entrusted with upholding the law – law enforcement officers – are complicit in this crisis. The accusations of accepting bribes, shielding drug traffickers, and deliberately turning a blind eye to their illicit activities are deeply troubling and strike at the very heart of our ability to combat this menace. How can we wage war against this destructive force effectively when those sworn to protect us are allegedly aiding and abetting the enemy?
Meanwhile, the cyclical pattern of politicians emerging during election seasons with fleeting promises and superficial, quick-fix programs, only to disappear once the ballot boxes are sealed, has become a cynical reality. Liberia does not need empty campaign rhetoric or short-lived gimmicks; it urgently requires real, sustained, and adequately funded action. We must move beyond hollow slogans and confront the uncomfortable and painful truths that lie at the heart of this crisis.
Mental illness and drug addiction are not peripheral issues that can be relegated to the margins of our national consciousness. They are, in fact, deeply intertwined with and contributing to our national decline. These crises pose a direct and escalating threat to our already strained health system, our struggling education sector, our fragile economy, and even our national security. It is time to unequivocally declare an all-out war on this growing menace with the urgency and commitment it deserves.
To effectively address this complex crisis, we must prioritize the following critical actions:
* Significantly increase national investment in comprehensive mental health services and evidence-based addiction recovery programs. This includes establishing accessible and affordable treatment centers, training qualified mental health professionals and addiction specialists, and destigmatizing mental health issues within our communities.
* Establish a robust network of community-based care and outreach centers across the country. These centers should provide early intervention services, mental health support, addiction counseling, and harm reduction strategies, reaching individuals where they live and work.
* Vigorously enforce strict laws against drug trafficking and hold enforcement agencies fully accountable for their responsibilities. This includes investigating and prosecuting corrupt officials who may be enabling the drug trade.
* Develop and implement comprehensive vocational training, job creation initiatives, and reintegration pathways specifically tailored for at-risk youth and those recovering from addiction. Providing viable alternatives and opportunities for economic empowerment is crucial for long-term recovery and social reintegration.
* Implement targeted programs to protect young women from being exploited and coerced into drug-driven relationships. This requires addressing the underlying vulnerabilities that make them susceptible to such exploitation and providing them with safe havens and support services.
Every Liberian citizen, regardless of their current circumstances, deserves to live with dignity, receive compassionate care, and be offered a genuine second chance. We owe this not only to our fellow citizens who are suffering but also to the future of our nation and the generations to come.
The time for complacency and inaction has long passed. The time to act decisively and with unwavering commitment is now, before we tragically lose an entire generation to the devastating grip of drugs and untreated mental illness. This crisis demands the collective responsibility and concerted efforts of all sectors of Liberian society: journalists who can amplify the voices of the afflicted and hold power accountable, dedicated doctors and healthcare professionals, committed civil society leaders, influential religious institutions, passionate educators, incorruptible law enforcement officers, and visionary politicians who prioritize the well-being of their people above all else.
History will not judge us by the extent of our knowledge of this crisis but rather by the tangible actions we take – or fail to take – to alleviate the suffering and safeguard the future of our nation. The time for decisive action is now.
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