The shortage of khat in Somalia because of COVID-19 is presenting the Horn of Africa country with more health challenges.
The country remains one of the biggest markets for khat in the region.
However, with the increasing effect of COVID-19, it has seen a significant drop in the availability of the crop for consumption.
Consequently, the shortage has pushed regular uses into forced withdrawal, which has come with its own mental and health challenges.
When the novel coronavirus first hit Mogadishu in early March, authorities were quick to ban all domestic and international flights thus making it impossible to import khat into the country.
Abdirashid Abdullahi, a doctor working at Habeeb Psychiatric Emergency Hospital in Mogadishu, said many consumers are now forced to go long hours without sleep.
Before the recent ban on flights, a kilogram of khat retailed at $20. However, the price has now jumped to $300 per kilogram, which is beyond most people’s budget.
Dr. Abdullahi said his hospital has seen an increase in the number of patients seeking treatment for their khat addiction and the related health problems it creates.
