Substance abuse hampers ex-fighters' health

Marijuana and alcohol abuse is creating health problems for former combatants in Sierra Leone, according to Rabih Torbay, country director for International Medical Corps (IMC). "Ex-combatants often come to us with chest pains," Torbay told IRIN on Tuesday. He added that the former fighters often freely admitted that they smoke marijuana, he added. IMC provides primary health care for ex-combatants, civilians and displaced persons through clinics set up outside some demobilisation camps. "There is a need for more activities in the demobilisation camps," Torbay said. "These would distract the inmates and help to prevent substance abuse," he added. Other frequently diagnosed health complaints among ex-combatants include malaria, sexually transmitted diseases and acute respiratory infections, Torbay said.