The National Taskforce on Drugs and Substance Abuse wishes to inform the general public and the media of the ongoing public health concern related to the use of the illicit substance known locally as “Kush.”
The Taskforce, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Epidemiology and Disease Control (EDC) Programme, and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG), continues to monitor and coordinate the national response to this serious public health threat.
In early February 2024, the EDC Program was alerted to a sudden increase in suspected “Kush” use within the Western-1 Health Region. Affected individuals presented with symptoms including pain, swollen tongue and lips, drooling saliva, and restlessness.
By 22nd April 2024, a total of 153 cases and 14 associated deaths had been reported, representing a case fatality rate (CFR) of 9.2%.
Initially, cases were concentrated in Kanifing General Hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, and Serekunda Health Center. However, recent reports indicate that Banjulinding, Sukuta, Brufut, Essau, New Yundum, Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, Ndemban Clinic, and Faji-Kunda Health Center have also begun registering cases.
To improve surveillance, the Ministry of Health created and shared a line-listing tool to help with data collection, analysis, and interpretation. An inter-ministerial task force was then formed, including representatives from health, security, civil society, international partners, and law enforcement sectors, to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the crisis.
As of 27th October 2025, the situation update is as follows:
• Eight (8) new clinical cases were reported from health facilities, bringing the total number of cases to 161.
• No new “Kush” associated deaths have been recorded; the total deaths remain at fourteen (14), maintaining a CFR of 9.2%.
• The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) registered 30 new interdiction cases, raising the total number of interdicted individuals to 219 (comprising 5 females and 214 males).
• Of these interdicted individuals, 152 are Gambians, 54 Sierra Leoneans, 4 Senegalese, 3 Nigerians, 5 Guineans (Conakry), and 1 Guinea-Bissauan.
• A total of 1.27 kilograms of “Kush” was confiscated in October 2025, bringing the cumulative total to 12.29 kilograms seized to date.
The National Taskforce commends all health workers, law enforcement officers, and partners for their continued efforts in addressing this public health emergency. The Taskforce further calls on communities, parents, and young people to remain vigilant and report suspected cases or distribution of “Kush” to the nearest health facility or security agency.
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