Yei Youth Warned Against Rising Tramadol Abuse

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A senior health official in Yei River County has warned young people against the misuse of tramadol, citing serious health risks linked to the drug.

The warning follows an opinion article by Yei-based freelance journalist and researcher James Innocent titled “Tramadol Is Quietly Destroying Our Youth—We Must Act Now,” published by Access Radio on Monday.

In the article, Innocent highlights growing concerns that many youths in Yei town are increasingly abusing tramadol, exposing themselves to harmful health consequences.

Responding to the concerns, the Director of Yei River County Health Department, Simon Sebit, confirmed that cases of unregulated drug use have been reported to his office. He cautioned that tramadol, when used outside its prescribed medical purpose, can severely damage vital organs including the liver, kidneys, and heart, and may even lead to premature death.

“If you are a youth involved in consuming this drug, you need to know that tramadol has negative side effects and it will destroy your body. It first affects the liver, then the kidneys, and eventually the heart, which can lead to death. Drugs should not be consumed anyhow, and this is what our youth need to understand,” Sebit said.

He added that the county health department has submitted recommendations to the County Executive Council to regulate and restrict public access to tramadol.

Meanwhile, the Head of Yei River County Youth Association, Gaga Frank, also raised concern over the growing misuse of the drug among young people. He revealed that his office has documented cases where youths mix tramadol with alcohol and use it without medical prescription.

“This is a very serious concern among the youth, including school-going children. We do not want to see our young people consuming this drug. We appeal to the government to ensure restrictions are placed on clinics so they do not sell these drugs freely to young people. I also recommend that tramadol should only be dispensed at Yei Civil Hospital,” Frank warned.

Local authorities are now being urged to take urgent action to control access to tramadol and address its increasing abuse among youth in the county.