Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. Utilizing messages focused on images created by local artists and written information communicated through local dialects proved essential to counter misperceptions during the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. br>
This is according to a study conducted in part by Muriel J. Harris, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences, Department of Health Promotion and Behavior Sciences.
Targeted on two Ebola 'hotspots' in Sierra Leone, urban Freetown and the rural Bombali district, the study involved engaging the community in the development of Ebola messaging to address common concerns about the disease.
Timeline of the Deadly Ebola Epidemic in West Africa
The Ebola epidemic has left 11,300 dead, mainly in the west African states of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, out of almost 29,000 cases.
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‘Raising awareness of risk factors for Ebola infection and protective measures (including vaccination) that individuals can take is an effective way to reduce human transmission.’
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Harris, who collaborated on the project in 2014 through her work with principal investigator John Kinsman, Ph.D., Umea University, and the Centre for Health and Research Training, Sierra Leone (CHaRT-SL), says health officials realized the top-down messaging strategy wasn't working.
New communication needed to be developed around numerous concerns, including the perception of disrespectful treatment of Ebola victims and bereaved families by burial teams; fear of ambulances with regard to driver competency and air flow within the vehicles; and fear over the use of chlorine procedures within ambulances and of use by burial teams.
![Superspreaders: Driving Cause of 2014 Ebola Epidemic]( "Superspreaders: Driving Cause of 2014 Ebola Epidemic")
In the 2014-15 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, about 3 percent of the people infected were ultimately responsible for infecting 61 percent of all cases.
To ensure their findings were utilized and implemented appropriately, the researchers recommended using trusted messengers to engage in two-way communication and assigning appropriate officials to listen to community concerns during an outbreak. A report was then presented to the Ministry of Health.
"The recommendations could be far-reaching as they represent an evidence-based approach to message development and implementation during public health emergencies, including other infectious disease outbreaks," Harris said.
Harris helped design the study methodology and also took part in final data analysis. The article, "Development of a set of community-informed Ebola messages for Sierra Leone," published recently in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Source: Eurekalert
Superspreaders: Driving Cause of 2014 Ebola Epidemic
In the 2014-15 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, about 3 percent of the people infected were ultimately responsible for infecting 61 percent of all cases.
Advertisement
To ensure their findings were utilized and implemented appropriately, the researchers recommended using trusted messengers to engage in two-way communication and assigning appropriate officials to listen to community concerns during an outbreak. A report was then presented to the Ministry of Health.
"The recommendations could be far-reaching as they represent an evidence-based approach to message development and implementation during public health emergencies, including other infectious disease outbreaks," Harris said.
Harris helped design the study methodology and also took part in final data analysis. The article, "Development of a set of community-informed Ebola messages for Sierra Leone," published recently in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Source: Eurekalert
WHO Declares the End of Ebola Epidemic in Sierra Leone
A nation is considered free of Ebola transmission once two 21-day incubation periods have passed since the last known case tested negative for a second time.
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 Ebola Epidemic in West Africa is Far from Under Control: Joanne Liu, MSF HeadAll the ingredients that enabled last year's devastation due to Ebola are still there- rainy seasons, an uncoordinated response, fear and distrust. | Advertisement
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