Global InformationCultural effects of the Western African Ebola virus epidemic information
The Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa has had a large effect on the culture of most of the West African countries. In most instances, the effect is a rather negative one as it has disrupted many Africans’ traditional norms and practices. For instance, many West African communities rely on traditional healers and witch doctors, who use herbal remedies, massage, chant and witchcraft to cure just about any ailment.[1][2] Therefore, it is difficult for West Africans to adapt to foreign medical practices. Specifically, West African resistance to Western medicine is prominent in the region, which calls for severe distrust of Western and modern medical personnel and practices.(see Ebola conspiracies below.)[3]
Similarly, some African cultures have a traditional solidarity of standing by the sick, which is contrary to the safe care of an Ebola patient.[1][2] This tradition is known as "standing by the ill" in order to show one's respect and honor to the patient. According to the Wesley Medical Center, these sorts of traditional norms can be dangerous to those not infected with the virus as it increases their chances of coming in contact with their family member's bodily fluids.[2] In Liberia, Ebola has wiped out entire families, leaving perhaps one survivor to recount stories of how they simply could not be hands off while their loved ones were sick in bed, because of their culture of touch, hold, hug and kiss.[4]
Some communities traditionally use folklore and mythical literature, which is often passed on verbally from one generation to the next to explain the interrelationships of all things that exist. However the folklore and songs are not only of traditional or ancient historical origins, but are often about current events that have affected the community. Additionally, folklore and music will often take opposing sides of any story. Thus early in the Ebola epidemic, the song "White Ebola" was released by a diaspora based group and centers on the general distrust of "outsiders" who may be intentionally infecting people.[5][6]
This initial misinformation increased the general distrust in foreigners, and the idea that Ebola was not in Africa before their arrival led to attacks on many health workers, as well as blockages of aid convoys blocked from checking remote areas. A burial team, which was sent in to collect the bodies of suspected Ebola victims from West Point in Liberia, was blocked by several hundred residents chanting: "No Ebola in West Point." Health ministries and workers started an aggressive Ebola information campaign on all media formats to properly inform the residents and allow aid workers safe access to the high risk areas.[7][8] In Guinea, riots broke out after medics disinfected a market in Nzerekore. Locals rumored that the medics were actually spreading the disease. In nearby Womey, 8 people distributing information about Ebola were killed by the villagers.[9]
- ^ a b "Ebola virus disease, West Africa – update 3 July 2014". WHO. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ a b c "West African Cultural Norms/Traditions That May Impact Ebola Transmission" (PDF). HCA. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 9, 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ Sammi Gassel. "How Cultural Norms and Practices Impact Ebola Outbreak". Tufts University. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- ^ Cooper, Helene (4 October 2014). "Ebola's Cultural Casualty: Hugs in Hands-On Liberia". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
- ^ "A brief background and history of African literatures". Exploring Africa. Archived from the original on 10 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ "Beats, Rhymes and Ebola". Boima Tucker. Archived from the original on 13 December 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ "Health workers battle trust issues, attacks in Ebola outbreak". CBS News. 4 August 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
- ^ "Report: Armed men attack Liberia Ebola clinic, freeing patients". CBS News. 17 August 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
- ^ "Ebola outbreak: Guinea health team killed". BBC News. 19 September 2014. Retrieved 14 January 2015.