Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff.
A patient in an isolation cell. He was inside for three months.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff.
A patient in an isolation cell. He was inside for three months.
2 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002. Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by the Sierra Leones’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete. Robert Emanuel, showing his displeasure to a security guard.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002. Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002. Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by the Sierra Leones’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete. Robert Emanuel, showing his displeasure to a security guard.
3 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff.
A patient in an isolation cell.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff.
A patient in an isolation cell.
4 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient screams. He died four days later, he did not want to eat or drink…
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient screams. He died four days later, he did not want to eat or drink…
5 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. April 2003.
Kissy Mental Home is British-built in 1827. Then, it served as a slave-trading centre. Now, it is the only governmental facility for mental health care. Presently, it accomodates 148 patients. Many lie on the floor naked without a mattress.
A chained patient under the bed sheets.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. April 2003.
Kissy Mental Home is British-built in 1827. Then, it...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. April 2003.
Kissy Mental Home is British-built in 1827. Then, it served as a slave-trading centre. Now, it is the only governmental facility for mental health care. Presently, it accomodates 148 patients. Many lie on the floor naked without a mattress.
A chained patient under the bed sheets.
6 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff.
7 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient chained to his bed.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient chained to his bed.
8 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
Cecilia, a patient at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital, screaming. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
Cecilia, a patient at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
Cecilia, a patient at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital, screaming. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
9 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A woman in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A woman in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home'...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A woman in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
10 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient chained to the floor.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient chained to the floor.
11 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A man tries to put out a fire, which was started by a patient trying to escape from an isolation cell, at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A man tries to put out a fire, which was started by a patient...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A man tries to put out a fire, which was started by a patient trying to escape from an isolation cell, at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
12 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, April 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Unless relatives visit, there is no-one to wash or toilet them.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, April 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. The building is old (built in...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, April 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Unless relatives visit, there is no-one to wash or toilet them.
13 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
Excrement on the wall of an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
Excrement on the wall of an isolation cell at the 'Kissy...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
Excrement on the wall of an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
14 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A chained patient.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A chained patient.
15 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, August 2007.
A scratched wall inside an isolation cell.
Kissy Mental Hospital. The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, August 2007.
A scratched wall inside an isolation cell.
Kissy...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, August 2007.
A scratched wall inside an isolation cell.
Kissy Mental Hospital. The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor.
16 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A burning bed, which has been set on fire by a patient trying to escape from an isolation cell, at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A burning bed, which has been set on fire by a patient trying to...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A burning bed, which has been set on fire by a patient trying to escape from an isolation cell, at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
17 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home'...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
18 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home'...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
19 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, November 2003. Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by the Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. A patient is chained to the floor. He is a Liberian rebel and was caught by the Sierra Leonan police.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, November 2003. Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, November 2003. Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by the Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. A patient is chained to the floor. He is a Liberian rebel and was caught by the Sierra Leonan police.
20 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell asking for food at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell asking for food at the 'Kissy...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient in an isolation cell asking for food at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
21 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient crying in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient crying in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home'...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A patient crying in an isolation cell at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
22 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff.
A chained patient in his cell covers his face with a t-shirt.
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown, May 2002.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff.
A chained patient in his cell covers his face with a t-shirt.
23 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
24 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
Two patients chained to their beds.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
Two patients chained to their beds.
25 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient begging for food.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient begging for food.
26 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient chained to the floor.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
A patient chained to the floor.
27 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
The security guards are trying to find the right key to open the lock from a patient that needs to be removed.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
The security guards are trying to find the right key to open the lock from a patient that needs to be removed.
28 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. A patient washing himself. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. A patient washing himself....READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. A patient washing himself. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
29 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with an eye infection. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with an...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with an eye infection. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
30 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with severe psychological problems. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with severe psychological problems. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
31 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. November 2003.
Kissy Mental Hospital. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building is old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds (if they have one) or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrements. Therapies are obsolete.
32 / 40
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A portrait of a patient smoking a cigarette at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A portrait of a patient smoking a cigarette at the 'Kissy...READ ON
SIERRA LEONE Freetown
A portrait of a patient smoking a cigarette at the 'Kissy Home' psychiatric hospital. The hospital, which presently accommodates 148 patients, is the only such facility in a country that has been estimated to have 100,000 people suffering from severe psychological problems. Ex-combatants, drug addicts and people suffering from post-conflict stress are among the patients, who are chained to their beds or to the floor, where they sit in their own excrement. Treatment is only available to those whose families can pay for it.
33 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of a patient. The vast majority of the Sierra Leoneans survive on less than a dollar per day. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of a patient. The...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of a patient. The vast majority of the Sierra Leoneans survive on less than a dollar per day. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
34 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate. Many...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
35 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate. Many...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
36 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with psychological problems. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with psychological problems. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
37 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with psychological problems. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of an inmate with psychological problems. Many of the patients are soldiers or ex-rebels, mainly admitted for psychoses due to severe drugs abuse. Others are affected psychologically by Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2001). The building was old (built in 1827) and battered by war and lack of maintenance. Patients are often chained to their beds. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
38 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of a patient. The vast majority of the Sierra Leoneans survive on less than a dollar per day. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of a patient. The...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. Portrait of a patient. The vast majority of the Sierra Leoneans survive on less than a dollar per day. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
39 / 40
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. A patient inside an isolation cell. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. A patient inside an isolation...READ ON
Sierra Leone, Freetown. August 2007. Kissy Mental Hospital. A patient inside an isolation cell. Many patients in Kissy are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatised by having participated as a fighter in the war (1991-2001). There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
kissy mental home / Sierra Leone
The civil war in Sierra Leone (1991-2001) was labeled “the cruelest in Africa’s recent history”. It was characterized by destruction – of property, but more so of human lives and values. Tens of thousands of civilians died, hundreds of thousands were raped, burnt, tortured, enslaved, mutilated. Many patients in Kissy Mental Hospital are psychotic because of severe drugs and alcohol abuse, others are traumatized by having participated as a fighter in the war There is a lack of staff, especially of trained staff. The hospital was rebuilt in 2006 and now patients have better beds and windows.
Pep Bonet
Pep Bonet (Mallorca, 1974) is a co-founder of NOOR images and a Nikon ambassador.