Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
International

Lack of trust fuelled Ebola spread in West Africa

Darpan News Desk IANS, 17 Nov, 2014 10:21 AM
    A lack of trust among community members, front line health workers and the broader health system sparked the widespread Ebola outbreak in West Africa, says a new research.
     
    "Had the citizens and their health care community developed a trusting relationship prior to the outbreak, important messages about the disease and how to stop its spread would likely have gotten through to people much sooner and slowed the march of Ebola," said Timothy Roberton from the Johns Hopkins University in the US.
     
    The study focused on Guinea, where the current Ebola outbreak began last winter.
     
    The researchers interviewed 41 Red Cross staff and volunteers who had been mobilised to raise Ebola awareness and teach families how to protect themselves.
     
    The researchers found that in some villages people refused to listen. They did not believe Ebola existed or thought the volunteers were scaremongering to secure humanitarian aid for their poor nation. A few even thought it was a foreign plot to steal body parts.
     
    Often, the Red Cross advice went against the way the Guineans had lived for generations.
     
    "Unless we appreciate how difficult it is for families to follow the guidance we give them, our Ebola control plans look wonderful on paper, but they're going to fail," Roberton added.
     
    The findings are scheduled to be presented at the American Public Health Association's Annual Meeting in New Orleans Nov 17.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Pakistan tests intermediate range ballistic missile

    Pakistan tests intermediate range ballistic missile
    Pakistan Monday conducted a test launch of an intermediate range ballistic missile which is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a....

    Pakistan tests intermediate range ballistic missile

    India must decide on joining APEC: Chinese daily

    It is high time India took a decision on joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) after having declined to attend the bloc's annual summit in...

    India must decide on joining APEC: Chinese daily

    US aid worker, Syrian soldiers beheaded by IS

    US aid worker, Syrian soldiers beheaded by IS
    A video has been circulating online purporting to show members of the Islamic State(IS) group beheading several Syrian soldiers and a US aid worker....

    US aid worker, Syrian soldiers beheaded by IS

    MH17 wreckage removal begins in Ukraine

    MH17 wreckage removal begins in Ukraine
    Recovery and removal of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from its crash site in rebel-held eastern Ukraine started Sunday, the Dutch Safety Board said in a statement....

    MH17 wreckage removal begins in Ukraine

    Imran Khan turns down government's dialogue offer

    Imran Khan turns down government's dialogue offer
    Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has turned down the government’s offer to hold talks, media reported Sunday....

    Imran Khan turns down government's dialogue offer

    G20 endorses India's concerns on black money

    G20 endorses India's concerns on black money
    Endorsing India's concerns about black money and tax avoidance, G20 leaders Sunday promised to modernise international tax rules....

    G20 endorses India's concerns on black money

    PrevNext