Summary: This is an Ebola Relief Preliminary Aid Field Guide for Humanitarian Aid in the West African Countries: Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. This is a unique perspective, that gives an introductory to understanding the distinctions between each major country affected by the 2014 Ebola outbreak crisis. By comparing countries of a similar geographical location the outbreak begins to reveals itself as a whole. This resource is for people working to stop the Ebola Outbreak Crisis of 2014. 

 

An assignment to create an infographic piece on any topic within the domain of Ebola. The delivery format of my choosing.

INTRODUCTION

This is a preliminary informative field guide that gives an introductory, anthropological perspective on the 2014 Ebola outbreak crisis. Although this outbreak is mostly affecting the relatively similar geographical area of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, the challenges encountered by relief personnel while abroad will be unique to each country. This guide will provide relief personnel with an encompassed understanding of daily behavior in each of these countries. Having additional perspective will help prepare aid personnel to define the sociocultural context of circumstances they face and predict institutional behaviors during this outbreak. The virus is spreading drastically and anywhere from 60-96% of people who contract Ebola will die from it. The need for aid is greater than ever and on August 8, 2014 the World Health Organization’s (who) Director General declared this outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” All information in this guide was updated as of October 5, 2014. 

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Understanding the historical background of these nations, and of Ebola, will better prepare relief personnel for the possible reactions they might encounter from trying to instruct Ebola prevention. Past rulers in these nations have influenced current society and this is reflected in daily living. Wars and corrupt governments have left these countries in economic upheaval and many citizens have never felt allegiance to their nation-state and have little trust in their government. With most government institutions concentrated in coastal cities, many of the more interior inhabitants have limited sense of obedience to an authoritative structure. Based on past historical events, Ebola relief personnel, especially from other nationalities, might struggle to gain trust and cooperation from these nations.

To date, evidence of potential ebola virus persistence has only been found in bats. There is limited or a complete absence of regulations for hunting bats and other forest animals. Bats are a delicacy and necessary source of food especially in remote areas. Ebola for most animals, like humans, is deadly. Bats on the other hand can escape from
it unscathed, but can host the virus. They infect humans who consume them, or other forest animals that are hunted for consumption. 

TRANSMISSION   

A better understanding of the chain of transmission from nature to humans is essential for characteriz- ing the epidemiology of Ebola virus infections, as well as directing public health preventive policies. The most severely affected countries, Guinea,
Sierra Leone and Liberia, have limited food due to environmental factors such as an opposing climate. The stark contrast between the dry and wet season makes it difficult to yield crops and maintain cattle. As a result some areas rely on bush meat that may be contaminated by Ebola as a source of food.

They also have very weak health care systems, lacking human and infrastructural resources. Much of this is due a long history of conflict and instability. There are limited education opportunities, which create barriers to awareness and understanding of the virus and wages are almost impossible to live off of. A majority of the population is under the age of 24 and youth unemployment rate is a challenging social issue. Access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation, especially in the rural country- side, is limited. Most people are not accustomed to western modern bathrooms. There are not enough relief personnel, physicians and supplies such as protective equipment, hygiene items and essential medicines to keep the virus from spreading. Poverty perpetuates the outbreak in these countries, and as such, outside aid is crucial. 

RESPONSE 

The current cases, like other outbreaks in past decades, are a regional problem that must be fought primarily by local African governments. These governments understand the cultural practices that foster the spread of the virus and inhibit patients from seeking help. This outbreak poses little to no danger to the United States or Europe because of access to hygiene and advanced medical treatment. Unfortunately, the three countries most affected — Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone — are among the poorest and most war-racked in the world and have very weak health care systems. They desperately need help in organizing their responses.

August 27, 2014

Médecins Sans Frontières calls the international response to Ebola “irresponsible” and “slow and derisory”, saying health services in the affected countries needed to be bolstered with operational support rather than politicians’ empty promises. 

RELIGION   

Many burial ceremonies involve direct contact with the deceased and there is risk of transmission when Ebola patients pass away. Bodily fluids are the most contagious after death. Be aware of cultural practices and religious beliefs in a community and try to establish a positive relationship with religious leaders. In the past, exceptions have been made. For example, during the 2004 Sudan Ebola outbreak, traditional mourning and burial rites were suspended.

Ebola victim burials should take place as soon as possible. Counsel the family to help them understand why some religious practices cannot be done and will place the family and others at risk. If the body is buried without giving information and support to the family, they may not want to bring other family members to the health facility. Misunderstandings with the community can lead to attacking the facility and relief personnel. Specific burial customs may vary by region or religion, yet practically all of them encompass a firm belief that if a proper burial is not performed the spirit will haunt them. Funerals are very important in all religions and are as elaborate as a family can afford, often going on for days or weeks. 

COMMUNICATION   

Effective communication is vital to the success in ending the 2014 outbreak. Trying to instruct indi- viduals not to eat the usual animals they have always eaten in the past, not to touch their loved ones if they are ill, not to follow age old religious burial customs, and not to use nonwestern medicine, is a struggle. There is limited electricity in rural areas and access to television, newspaper, radio and inter- net. Opportunity for an education ends early on and many people are illiterate, but can speak multiple languages. Each ethnic group has its own language. Past governmental corruption has made people skeptical of foreign sources of instruction outside of their communities.

All over Africa, other organizations have demon- strated creative forms of verbal communication
to educate the public about other disease through street theater, puppet shows, skits and songs. They teach about concepts such as germs or viruses, since assuming they already underst-and basic biology

is a fatal assumption. It’s been recognized people are more likely to change their belief to be more consistent with those expressed in the world of the narrative. The messages are more believable and easily understood. 

MEDICAL ACCESS    

In addition to Ebola, a number of serious diseases with similar symptoms affect these populations. These diseases include schistosomiasis, bloody diarrhea, tetanus, measles, polio, malaria, tuberculosis, and cholera. Proper diagnosis is made by lab testing samples. The health care facilities are generally low on supplies and medicine. Soap is considered precious. They are located in or near major cities, and the major- ity of people have no access to Western medicine. Roads are poorly maintained and vehicles that can drive on them are limited. Traveling is predominantly by foot, making it difficult for rural inhabitants to get to hospitals. Traditional health practitioners may use a combination of herbal treatments, magic, and counseling to treat patients. Many people are not reluctant to use both traditional and Western methods of care in healing themselves, and some are forced to for financial reasons.

Healthcare workers have frequently been infected while treating patients. This has occurred through close contact with patients when strict infection control precautions are not obeyed. 

CONCLUSION

The death rate of Ebola when it first appeared in 1976 was at 90 percent, but thanks to modern

medicine it has reduced to less than 50 percent. In western Africa, without enough volunteers, nurses, physicians, authority and protective supplies, the death rate increases and the problem grows larger. The need for aid is greater than ever. Poor governing and various other factors, have made the affected nations some of the poorest in the world. There is currently not enough support to keep everyone safe and to prevent the virus from spreading.

Training relief personnel to have an anthrop- ological perspective and understand the unique cultural boundaries and history will more effectively assist victims and their families and stop the outbreak. It is important to prepare relief personnel for the possible dangers they might encounter from trying to instruct prevention in these nations. Finding ways to develop and foster collaboration with locals to create awareness

about Ebola is crucial. An encompassed understan- ding of daily behavior provides leverage for community trust and cooperation and finding alternative ways to communicate.