Pharmacy Board rallies Makeni stakeholders in battle against tramadol abuse

The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone has extended its ongoing nationwide sensitisation and stakeholders' engagement campaign on the restriction of Tramadol to Makeni in the North East with a well-attended meeting held on Friday 20th February 2026 at the Makeni City Council Hall.

Pharmacist Alusine Ambrose Musa representing the Pharmacy Board opened proceedings by briefing participants on the objectives of the engagement setting the stage for what turned out to be a frank and productive exchange between the Board and key community stakeholders.

The Registrar of the Pharmacy Board Dr James Peter Komeh and the Board Chairman who also doubles as Chief Pharmacist Dr Moses Batema were both present at the session and used the occasion to make a strong appeal to stakeholders to adhere strictly to the restriction on Tramadol use in that part of the country. Their presence at the Makeni engagement underscored the Board's commitment to ensuring that the sensitisation exercise reaches every region of Sierra Leone with the seriousness it deserves.

In what reflected the inclusive spirit of the campaign stakeholders were allowed to ask questions and offer their input on how all parties can work together to bring an end to the growing menace of Tramadol abuse. The session demonstrated a clear willingness from the community to be part of the solution with participants actively engaged in discussing how best to collaborate with the Board to enforce the restriction at the local level.

The Makeni engagement is part of a broader nationwide sensitisation exercise that began in the South East following a Ministerial Order issued in December 2025 by the Ministry of Health. The order banned the sale and use of Tramadol above 50mg capsules and 50mg/ml injectable formulations in Sierra Leone citing growing public health and social concerns linked to its widespread abuse.

The Pharmacy Board continues to urge all stakeholders and members of the public to support the initiative and to report any illegal sale or distribution of restricted Tramadol products.

The nationwide sensitisation tour is ongoing.