Tag: Mobilising

Ebola: demanding accountability and mobilizing societies to avoid a deadly relapse

The enduring Ebola epidemic has taught the world some hard lessons over the last 12 months, which we must take to heart. Despite early warnings, and the extraordinary efforts of local healthcare workers and private medical humanitarian organisations, the epidemic has exposed the institutional failures that saw the Ebola outbreak spiral far out of control, with tragic and avoidable consequences. In particular, we should reflect on the role civil society must play in response, and how it can spur on mandated international bodies to shake Continue reading →

Ebola Virus hits West Africa: Challenges, new approaches and the path ahead – Video

Physicians, scientists, and public health experts shared their experience from the front lines of fighting Ebola virus disease in this symposium session presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) 63rd Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Speakers also discussed challenges and advances in methods of control and the promise of possible future solutions. Watch video here.    

Ebola teams need better cultural understanding, anthropologists say

A defining feature of this Ebola epidemic has been the significant resistance of some of the affected communities to treatment and prevention measures by foreign aid workers and their own governments. Many local people, suspicious and fearful, have refused to go to treatment centers or turn over bodies for safe burial, and whole communities have prohibited the entry of doctors and health teams. As the months have gone by that resistance has been less reported upon, and there are signs that it may be lessening. Continue reading →

Mobilising informal health workers for the Ebola response: potential and programme considerations

Informal health workers are important care providers in the region and continue to be so during the current Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak. Many are well respected and trusted members of the community who can mobilise large numbers of people for a particular activity and lend legitimacy to a particular programme.